Following its success at the Minerva, Chichester, Alistair Beaton’s highly comic satire on Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) is re-launched in Brighton.

Beaton has done his homework well and, between the laughs, puts forward enlightening arguments for and against this controversial, divisive technology. The action switches between the PR firm responsible for the “reputation management” of the energy company and the home of middle class Elizabeth and her husband Jack who find their village under threat of despoliation.

Peaceful objector Elizabeth finds herself fighting the dirty tricks employed by PR consultant Joe - eventually driven from law-abiding to law-breaking. Anne Reid returns to the part with gusto mixing dignity with earnestness duly laced with gleeful mischief. Her final speech advocating Civil Disobedience is all the more powerful for its quiet delivery.

James Bolam, as Jack, proves a master of comic timing with facial expressions that speak volumes. He is glorious in his rants against Gastro Pubs and Aromatherapy.

PR consultant Joe is a lying, manipulative, self serving, bullying monster to whom scruples have not found a way into his make-up. He is much given to the other “F” word, which Harry Hadden-Paton’s uses to highly comic effect. His portrayal is truly reptilian.