A LIGHT, frothy comedy with dialogue that crackles with wit – doesn’t sound much like the average Agatha Christie play, does it?

Prepare yourself for a complete departure for the mistress of the whodunit. This play owes more to Whitehall farce than the more familiar grim thriller genre, and what a delicious change it makes.

Imagine you are married to a Foreign Office official whose career depends on hosting a secret meeting with a foreign diplomat. You’ve prepared the sandwiches and coffee, just time for a quick tidy up when whoops, you trip over a dead body. What to do? Call the police and ruin your husband’s chances? Or call upon some old friends to help you out?

That’s the plot, and it’s beautifully played by all concerned, with a special mention for Melanie Gutteridge as quick-witted, resourceful wife Clarissa. Karen Elliott is excellent, too, as dowdy schoolgirl Pippa, whose dabbling in black magic sparks the whole thing off.

And of course, there’s a police inspector in a raincoat.

It’s tremendous fun, skilfully written and played with panache by a seasoned cast, with the obligatory twist at the end. Even the corpse gets a laugh when he falls out of the secret cupboard.

■ Until Saturday. Box office: 01325-486555.

Sue Heath