Bawdy comedy updates to 60s; REVIEW THE COUNTRY WIFE Lichfield Players, Lichfield Garrick.

Byline: PAUL MARSTON

THIS Restoration period comedy by William Wycherley has been moved forward to the Swinging Sixties by the players, but you are left wondering why.

The clever dialogue is still from days long gone, so the more modern costumes hardly match what the audience hear.

Even so, the story of sexual intrigue is well delivered by a talented cast in the intimate surroundings of the theatre studio.

David Stonehouse excels as the rakish Mr Horner whose supposed eunuch situation leads to him being unwisely trusted by other men while he makes hay with their women wives or partners.

One of his willing 'victims' is Mrs Margery Pinchwife, up from the country and eager to taste the fun of city life. Stefanie Walker is sound in the role, but the outstanding performances come from Stonehouse and Stephen Brunton, the latter superb as the protective Mr Bud Pinchwife, determined to keep his wife out of the clutches of the lusty Londoners, but ultimately failing.

Fine contributions, too, from Ian Parkes (Sir Jaspar Fidget), Rosemary Bodger (Lady Fidget), Chris Jenkins (Mr Sparkish) and Sarah Stanley (Alithea).

Directed by Andrew Bodger, the bawdy play runs to tomorrow night. (Jan 24).

VERDICT: *****