I’VE seen many good amateur performances of Ray Cooney’s hoot of a farce, Out of Order.

The professional production at the Opera House, puts them in the shade.

This must be because their director is none other than Ray Cooney himself, who understands every nuance of his play and instils it in his cast.

I, and most of the audience, laugh so much we can scarcely contain ourselves.

It all begins in the Westminster Hotel, London, where Richard Willey, a married Conservative Minister, has arranged a tryst with Jane, secretary to Jeremy Corbyn (nicely updated).

Jeffrey Harmer plays Richard who, not only faces a trauma when something macabre blocks one of the sash windows, but also has to confront his wife and Jane’s husband with a rational explanation for his behaviour.

Susie Amy’s Jane spends her time rushing around frenetically in a state of undress.

Then someone comes to the rescue. He is Richard’s Parliamentary Private Secretary George Pigden (Shaun Williamson)

Matters get worse, not better, with much jumping in and out of windows and the transformation of George from a mummy’s boy to a serial lecher.

David Warwick adds immensely to the humour even though his role is largely without speech.

With its immaculate timing, this play transports you to a land of sudden surprises, naughty episodes and the panic that occurs when misdeeds are about to be uncovered.

* Out of Order is at the Opera House, Manchester, until Saturday, June 3. For tickets, telephone 0844 871 3018 or see atgtickets.com. Star rating: * * *