THIS is sitcom, really, not theatre: from the domestic setting (there are no french windows, but a glass door in the kitchen serves just as well), to the homely material (gay lodger helps landlady with weight problem; she discovers happiness isn't quite that easy), and, of course, the top quality cast.
No, really. John Inman is showbiz personified. Staying just the right side of the camp line between funny and threatening (this is an ageing Edinburgh audience, after all), he takes us through Charles Laurence's script, performing every line with immaculate timing. Even during the occasions when fits of laughter threaten to take us away from comedy and into farce, Inman is clearly captain, hauling the crew back on course.
Ably supported by Kim Hartman (Helga out of Allo, Allo to Inman's Mr Humphries), and with token male support in the shape of Will Ashcroft and John Lightbody, Inman is unquestionably the star of an easy-going and very enjoyable show. It won't push the envelope of theatre, but if you want to impress your older Edinburgh relatives, you could do worse than get a ticket for the matinee today or any night till Saturday. Showman to the last, Inman barks for seats after the final curtain. Thoroughly impressive.
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