It’s the Oxford Theatre Guild’s 50th anniversary and what better way to mark it than a return to the play which kicked it all off – Shakespeare’s fast and funny Merry Wives of Windsor. And on this showing, you’ll be wishing them many happy returns. Set appropriately in the 1950s, Simon Tavener’s production grabs you from the start and gives Shakespeare’s famous farce a fresh and breezy spin.

Portly rogue Sir John Falstaff spies an opportunity to make love and money out of two wives of Windsor. But cunning plans aren’t the male preserve and the merry wives are ahead of the game, bringing mirth from the girth and turning the tables three times over. Even matchmaker and maneater Mistress Quickly can’t resist poking fun, and other things, at poor Sir John. And with a whole host of suitors bearing down on local beauty, Anne, Windsor’s alive with plots and plans and an array of colourful characters. Fluff and nonsense of course. But with some of Shakespeare’s most beltingly funny and off-the-wall lines.

Theatre Guild stalwart and all-round talent Peter Mottley fleshes out Falstaff brilliantly. The dissipated nobility is conveyed by blazer and hat and a leering swagger that’s somewhere between Sid James and Frankie Howerd. But the part’s his own and his comical ruminations on his come-uppances are a joy to behold. So too Barbara Denton’s flawless Mistress Quickly, a head-on collision between Diana Dors and Barbara Windsor – fluorescent in pink apron and a rather suggestive feather duster. Denton’s delivery is perfect. A fantastic creation.

The wives are great, a lovely turn from Alex Reid and an engaging one from newcomer Meriel Patrick. And Colin Burnie wonderfully throws caution to the wind as Dr Caius – Frenchman, eccentric and letch. But credit should go to all. Even the more peripheral parts are memorable, with solid and professional playing. That’s a treat in itself. And it’s great to see young actors sharing the same stage with seasoned performers. Good too to be greeted by such attentive and welcoming stewards.

Merton’s Fellows Garden provides a fine backdrop, centre stage given to the stunning trees, with a few painted panels suggesting the streets of old Windsor. The lilting tones of 50s hits will also produce a wistful nostalgia for some. The plot is mad and not always coherent. But it’s all very English and just goes to show that we’ve always been good at smut – for this is Carry On with a script by Shakespeare.

So get yourself down to Merton, wrap yourself in a blanket and raise a beverage in toast to the Oxford Theatre Guild and a happy evening’s entertainment.