The auditorium, restored to original shape and proportions, gives the ideal setting for plays, particularly for those theatrical gems of the Georgian era which have remained unnoticed for too long.

Black Eyed Susan, a "Nautical and Domestic Drama" is just one of those. Packing in the crowds in the early nineteenth century, the combination of melodramatic sentiment, heroic Jack Tar types overcoming life's obstacles, music and social comment was powerfully appealing. This contemporary version is funny, moving and simply outstanding.

Poor Susan, the virtuous wife left behind by her sea-faring husband William, is left at the mercy of her lubricious and greedy Uncle Doggrass. Not content with squeezing high rents from the poor, his ambitions for her are far from gentlemanly. Protected by friends like Gnatbrain and Dolly Mayflower, Susan's long wait for her husband's return is punctuated by threat of eviction and starvation. Even though the virtuous damsel awaiting rescue is an unfamiliar figure in modern drama, Sophia Linden's Susan is convincing and passionate, and Philip Ralph's William is a delight. Boisterous, blessed with wonderful lines and nautical puns, he plays the heroic Jack Tar character to perfection.

The authentic Regency Theatre style of backdrops and mechanical effects is ingeniously used to re-create life on board and on shore. The cut out figures of the Admirals slide in and out, literally, while the wing flats and painted backdrops are used in the kind of theatre environment for which they were designed.

The success of this production of Douglas Jerrold's classic bodes well for the Restoring the Repertoire programme. Ambitious plans to revive Georgian dramas in their rightful setting will be a key feature in the season. Be well advised to book your seats in time!