THE Noble Spaniard, Somerset Maugham’s comedy of manners and intrigue set in 19th century France, provided Ambleside Players with a peach of a play in which casting and direction by Anne Robins hit exactly the right note to give an evening of stylish comic delight.

Heading a strong cast was a superbly confident Stephanie Bennett as Marion Nairne, a rich widow looking for but denying love. In the company of her ward (a delightfully petulant Glenys Taylor) she visits Justice and Lady Proudfoot (regal acting from David Soar and Anne Fraser) in their holiday home in Boulogne.

Enter the Duke of Hermanos, played with aplomb and comic timing by Lee Robins, who determines to woo Marion despite her protestations that she has a husband. Cue many twists and turns in the action as The Noble Spaniard repeatedly confuses the identity of the other characters in his efforts to find her imaginary husband and challenge him to a duel.

Slick exits and entrances from an excellent supporting cast, with a special mention for Peter Foster’s cameo role as the honorable but disillusioned Frenchman Count de Moret, contributed to a lively and engaging romp.

Terrific costumes and an atmospheric stage set provided the perfect accompaniment to a splendid evening’s entertainment. PW