Dead funny is something of a tribute to late British comedians such as Max Miller, Tony Hancock, Frankie Howerd, Eric Morecambe and Benny Hill.

It begins on the evening when Benny Hill dies of a heart attack and ends with the announcement, a week later, that Frankie Howerd is dead.

For Richard, a consultant obstetrician, Hill's death is devastating.

He is chairman of the Dead Comedians Appreciation Society, head of a collection of fans who regularly meet to discuss their heroes and re-enact some of their best sketches.

But Terry Johnson's comedy is also a tragedy. Beneath the comic front, Richard is no longer making love to his wife Eleanor. Indeed, he isn't even touching her.

She desperately wants a child and the couple are part-way through some sex therapy.

But Dead Funny isn't even as simple as that.

There are other matters afoot and all comes to a head on the day the Society decides on a tribute evening to Hill.

The last play of Chichester Theatre's 40th summer season is well done, beautifully observed and presented by a hugely talented ensemble cast.

The comedy is brilliant, with lines bouncing around sharply and quickly.

Married life in this pressure cooker of a situation is finely handled and Abigail McKern's Eleanor is an exceptional piece of acting and character.

But all concerned do well with the two nude scenes, including full frontal, taken smoothly and with not a trace of coyness.

Dead Funny made me laugh out loud and come close to tears.

This is a good close to what has been an up-and-down summer season.

And one new quirk in theatrical warnings. Not only does a sign outside the theatre warn of bad language and sex scenes, it also warns of cigarette smoke.

For further details and to check ticket availability, telephone 01243 791312.