One of the best loved of the Ealing comedies is undoubtedly The Ladykillers, with its iconic performances by Sir Alec Guinness, Cecil Parker, and the wonderful Katie Johnson as Mrs Wilberforce, who won a Best Actress BAFTA for her performance. The script has since been re-worked by Graham Linehan, and is the Watermill at Bagnor’s choice for its Autumn production.

It has to be said that Mrs Wilberforce (Marlene Sidaway) is still stealing the show with her restrained bewilderment at what is going on around her, but there the similarity to the film largely ends. There are wonderful performances by the gang of villains led by Paul Mundell as Professor Marcus, but Linehan’s script seems to invite a touch of Brian Rix farce into the action. Nonetheless, it is a very funny and appealing production, which ensures a great night out for anyone who enjoys a good laugh.