Spirited acting by a talented cast of members of St Mary's Drama Group brought the witty comedy Angels In Love' to entertaining life at St Mary's Community Hall, Hampton last week.

Written in the 1950s by British playwright Hugh Mills, it tells of the Victorian fictional character Cedric, Little' Lord Fauntleroy, at the age of 20 and married but still unaware of the facts of life.

His mother enlists the help of her friend Violet to educate her son. The lesson in progress is seen by the boy's grandfather, who assumes Violet is Cedric's wife. The family's failure to correct the misunderstanding has hilarious consequences.

Norma Beresford gave a commanding performance as Dearest, mother to Lord Fauntleroy. She brought elegance and poise to a gem of a role and made the most of her many witty lines. The part of Cedric was played with panache by Sean McMullan. His curly blonde wig caused much amusement.

Christina Bulford brought charm to the role of his young wife, Lettice.

Michael Norman was the pompous Sir Pomeroy Pomeroy-Jones and Dominic Witherow, clad in striped flannels and blazer was his ruthless younger brother Eustace.

Stan Saull, an actor with considerable stage presence, brought gravity and authority to the part of the autocratic Earl of Dorincourt. There is a vastly amusing scene when a cup of poisoned tea intended for Cedric is obligingly passed on by several guests.

The play romped along at a lively pace and the wealth of humour in the script was well realised. Set and costumes were pleasing and in period.

Many congratulations to director Peter Duggan and his team for providing an enthusiastic audience with an enjoyable evening of lively English farce.

Joy Manners