Our Mutual Friend at BOAT is a story of good against evil.

The adaptation of the Dickens' novel is a tale of loyalty, integrity and morality pitched against intrigue, deception, blackmail, murder, hypocrisy and snobbery.

The final play of the season at Hove’s open air theatre is a gripping yarn from beginning to end – and a credit to the high standards set by BOAT in their first year at Dyke Road Park.

The only shame was that the show was not packed with school or university students interested in drama and literature. Whatever else can be said about Dickens, he provides an insight into the soul of mankind, its strengths and weaknesses in a way that is unsurpassed by the writers and producers of current television soaps.

It is surprising that this is the first professional production of the play since 1998 and one can only assume that production companies have been discouraged by the length of the play which runs in two parts for a total of five hours.

This was a thoroughly professional production with some outstanding and memorable performances from the cast.

It is well worth the effort to set aside time for this entertaining and enlightening play.

Five stars