By George, a man in drag, upper class buffoons and the oldest trick of all – mistaken identity - makes for solid comedy in the Garrick’s production of Brandon Thomas’s Charley’s Aunt.

It features Jack Chesney, a clipped speaking Jamie Sloan and an amusing Callum Anderson as Charley Wykeham.

Charley is the guy with the aunt.

She comes in handy as a chaperone when, in the prim and proper year of 1920, the pair want to invite two young ladies for lunch.

Unfortunately, the aunt doesn’t materialise, so posh actor friend, Lord Fancourt Babberley (Paul Antony) steps in. ‘She’ is the centre of all the fun.

In his post drama school debut, Paul follows in the footsteps of such greats as Arthur Askey, Frankie Howard and Danny La Rue. And does almost as well.

His portrayal of Charley’s aunt contrasts well with everyone else who play it straight in a mad sort of way.

The two girls, Laura Crow’s Kitty Verdun, and Vicky Siddle’s Amy Spettigue fawn over the ‘old lady’ who wholeheartedly heterosexual, laps it up.

Complications arise when two older gents fancy the so-called aunt. It’s a whirl of fun from beginning to end.

The climax comes when the real aunt appears. Well performed by Carole Carr, she conceals her hand long enough to take in the goings on.

This almost farce-like play, is complemented by three imaginative sets courtesy of Margaret Norris, elaborate costumes by Mike Shaw and his team and the superb direction of Alan Clements.

Charley’s Aunt is at the Garrick Playhouse, Altrincham until Saturday, September 10. For tickets, telephone 0161 928 1677.

Star rating: * * * *