Bijou but perfectly-formed, the charmingly refurbished Aquarium Theatre Bar, now under new management, has steadily built a reputation as a quality cabaret venue.

In its first foray into straight theatre, it plays host to Kiss My Ring by Rick Martin. Billed as an Elizabethan tryst, this three-hander is mercifully short, as little occurs other than a flirty interaction between Queen Elizabeth I and Shakespeare.

Writer Martin, playing Shakespeare was the first to appear but had so little stage command and vocal projection, many of the audience were unaware the action had commenced.

Jerome Lloyd as the Queen salvaged proceedings with an assured performance, whilst Samantha Lee Gloster, in her thankless role as Will's wife, lent spirit and energy.

However, the play had little substance, ending as abruptly as it had begun and leaving the audience bemused.