WAS it madness to venture out into Hurricane Katia, which had shut the main line rail service and several roads, and brave the grand reopening night of the region’s most impressive venue? Most did to catch an often hilarious scenery-chewing performance from David Haig as the unfortunate Porphyria-suffering George III.

The opening speech was nicely-handled by the Theatre Royal’s chief executive officer, Philip Bernays, in spite of a few sound problems, who proudly showed off the £4.5m improvements which display a richness and grandeur to match “one of the finest theatres in the country”.

Amusingly, the biggest round of applause was earned by the announcement of more ladies’ toilets. But with 80 per cent of the revamp earned from ticket sales, it is the female pound which dominates many theatre bookings.

Appropriately, Mary Akehurst sponsored my seat, although I do have a few concerns about the spartan nature of the slimline design with few frills.

With flash-bulbs and film cameras covering another momentous night for the theatre, which opened in 1837, the beautifully-costumed and well-acted Madness unfolded.

Based on the 1994 film rather than the 1991 National Theatre play, it’s not hard to see why Georgie went off his chump with so much intrigue going on around.

Chief miscreant is son, the Prince of Wales (Christopher Keegan), who has to take a few lampoons aimed at the current holder of the title.

There is an insightful pre- Madness moment where the monarch and wife Queen Charlotte (Beatie Edney) refer to themselves as Mr and Mrs King.

The late arrival of Dr Francis Willis (Clive Francis) on the scene, as the one man who might be able to cure George, adds the essential air of drama.

But there is always a sting in the tail for anyone who messes around with the monarchy.

Superbly sobering stuff.

• Runs until Saturday.

Tickets: £9-£30. Box office: 08448-112-121 theatreroyal.co.uk