★★★

The message of this play is as relevant today as it was when it was first performed in the 1960s – assisted by the incorporation of current events into the dialogue.

It pokes fun at a team of incompetent police officers while exposing their contempt for the rule of law.

The action is loosely based on the unexplained death of an anarchist in custody at a Milan Police while being interrogated by four police officers.

The official explanation of what happened was that that the prisoner managed to cross the room to a window, open it and leap to his death without anyone being able to stop him.

The officers are tricked into taking part in a recreation of the fateful events by a madcap prisoner with a knack for impersonation, with disastrous consequences for everyone.

Phil Brown is excellent as the maniac while Jonathan Rich conjures memories of Fulton Mackay of Porridge fame with his characterisation of the rather dim constable.

The portrayal of the remaining characters is feisty, imaginative and original. The stage design and lighting outstanding.

One is left asking the question: was this a comedy, a tragedy or just a good old fashioned scandal?