As one third of the trilogy which constitutes The Norman Conquests, written by Alan Ayckbourn in the early Seventies, one can only say, at best, is dated.

Despite the stalwart efforts of the able and experienced cast, little can save the play from faltering as nothing appears to happen of much interest.

One leaves the theatre not particularly caring about either the characters or the outcome.

As the title suggests, the thin, almost anorexic, plot is set, for the most part, around a dinner table. This renders the action static.

In place of physical action, one imagines a thinking audience would require some form of witty dialogue at the very least.

Not here, regrettably. Robert Duncan, Anita Graham, Sabina Franklyn, David Callister and company, however, manage to gamely negotiate their way through this turgid piece with the utmost dignity. Better direction due, perhaps? The jury's out.