Set in a Hungarian parfumerie, this charming show tells of the love-hate relationship between manager Georg Nowack and new assistant, Amalia Balash.

Unbeknown to them is the fact that they have both been writing to each other as pen friends.

Their long correspondence has awoken strong feelings in them so a first meeting is arranged but does not go as planned.

A sub plot involves the romance between the trusting Ilona and her colleague Kodaly, the shop’s smooth-talking but false Lothario.

The musical benefits from the intimacy offered by the Minerva, which boasts a stylish set of glass and metalwork in the art deco style.

Stephen Mear’s direction, apart from a couple of quirky scenes, is sound, and his choreography first class. Particularly spectacular is his staging of A Romantic Atmosphere – a glorious feast of comedy and decadence.

As Georg, Joe McFadden is a sweetly simple man who, lacking confidence, has to resort to answering a lonely hearts ad. On the other hand Dianne Pilkington’s Amalia is tougher, more purposeful.

While excelling at the comedy of the part, Pilkington’s singing suffers occasionally from being a little too strident. However she handles the classic number Vanilla Ice Cream exceedingly well.

Making a welcome return to Chichester, Annette McLaughlin steals the show as Ilona. She is a comic delight especially with A Visit To The Library – a Bolero number describing her encounter with a bespectacled optometrist.

Comedy also comes from Steve Elias, while Matthew Goodgame’s Kodaly is suitably smooth and dastardly.