Alan Ayckbourn's classic comedy Relatively Speaking arrived in Cheltenham last night (Tuesday) on the second stop of its UK tour.

Relatively Speaking was Alan Ayckbourn's break-out hit, making him a household name, with Noël Coward himself praising the young writer on creating "a beautifully constructed and very funny comedy".

The production stars Liza Goddard as Sheila, Steven Pacey as Philip, Antony Eden as Greg and Olivia Le Andersen as Ginny.

The plot revolves around Ginny going to the house of her older lover in order to end a relationship and retrieve some compromising letters.

Matters are complicated when her current partner also turns up at the house and meets the wife of the lover, believing her to be Ginny's mother, leading to misunderstanding and confusion.

An ingenious script was delivered by this talented four-person cast who talk at cross purposes with such conviction and comic effect. It was all about misunderstandings and miscommunications. It was very clever and was very funny in parts. 

The production is presented by Theatre Royal Bath Productions and directed by Robin Herford, who is considered one of the best directors of Alan Ayckbourn's plays having worked closely with the playwright both as actor, director and co-artistic director during the 1970s and 1980s.

The packed Cheltenham audience enjoyed the show with many laugh-out-loud moments, leaving the theatre with warm hearts ready to embrace the Icy temperature outside.

Relatively Speaking plays at the Everyman until Saturday (January 28). Call the box office on 01242 572573 or go to www.everymantheatre.org.uk/