Relative Values literally is classy stuff. A countess frets about her son who plans to get hitched to an American film star, while the servants bow and scrape. But the rampant success of Downton Abbey and the revival of Upstairs Downstairs demonstrate the enduring appeal of drama where everyone knows their place.

Talking of Downton, I wonder if its scriptwriter Julian Fellowes drew for inspiration on the waspish character of Felicity when creating the acerbic dowager played by Dame Maggie Smith? Deborah Lisburne Diacon gets to dispense some choice lines in a similarly caustic, languid manner from the comfort of a sofa and, like the formidable small-screen aristocrat, dominates several scenes – although there is competition in this regard from the talented young upstarts who have joined the Players for this production.

Laurence Tuck, who took a backstage role in the group's previous show, California Suite, is composed and debonair as Felicity's nephew Peter, while Ed Miller makes an impressive debut as the boozy movie idol Don Lucas – his sparky scenes with flamboyant actress Miranda (Claire Johnson) are arguably the highlight of this comedy, where bonds of loyalty are tested and identity called into question. Meanwhile Eloise Sheffield as maidservant Alice has an all-too-brief chance to flirt breathlessly with the rangy Hollywood star. The three newcomers are confident and clear when delivering their dialogue, and serve up engaging facial expressions too.
However if one face stands out, it is perhaps that of Felicity's put-upon maid Moxie (Mary Drennan); she maintains a sullen dignity as she is given an impromptu makeover – prompted by Felicity learning Moxie is Miranda's long-lost sister. Her scenes with sardonic butler Crestwell (Steve Ashcroft) are a treat.
Joe O'Connor keeps a stiff upper lip as the countess' decent, if slightly dim, son Nigel; Gareth Hammond is gruff as an admiral with an uncanny resemblance to Captain Birdseye; Lesley Robinson is amusing as the snobbish Lady Cynthia.

The play's pace is occasionally as laid-back as the county set portrayed and its themes may seem quaint, but co-directors Laurence Goodwin and Denise Santilli have assembled a cast with energy and strong comic timing.