She Stoops to Conquer should appeal to the British public. This ‘very English’ drama reminded me at once of the TV series Downton Abbey, a period drama to which the nation was addicted. Oliver Goldsmith’s play is perfectly pleasant, a jolly tale of young love and naughty deceptions. First staged in 1773 the intelligent script is very enjoyable, high spirited and full of romance carefully avoiding the sentimental.

A pair of well-to-do rogues, Marlow and Hastings are tricked into believing a country house for an inn, with disastrous results. It is a long play that succeeds through the witty interplay between characters. The cast rise to the challenge working as a tight knit team, and presenting a sharp rendition of this classic. It seemed rare that the National should stage something so happy, and it was lovely to see a show with such warmth. Jamie Lloyd’s production presents the comedy well, encouraging the funny asides and jokes with a large open stage that rotates to offer a second location. It is beautifully enabled with Mark Thompson’s attractive set: fairytale trees and a hearty fire are just part of his vision. The music, provided by a small live band adds another dimension to the production… and the cast’s involvement is a humorous and lovely touch.

Sophie Thompson is an absolute hoot as the eccentric Mrs Hardcastle. Certainly one to rise to the challenge, she puts her heart and soul into the performance with spectacular results. She is funniest when outraged after discovering the truth, stomping round the stage bellowing in an unrecognisable but hysterical accent. Harry Haddon-Paton relishes his role as the pretentious love interest… so enthusiastic was he on stage that instead of hurling his peeled orange at his partner in crime he sent it flying to a surprised audience member in the front row of the stalls… they proceeded to throw it back and he tried to continue while in a fit of giggles.

Katherine Kelly, best known for her leading role in Coronation Street, is an absolute delight as Kate Hardcastle. Despite her experience as a screen actress, her assured and nuanced performance here shows she was born to be on stage…  as an added bonus she is beautiful and displays a dancer’s grace. The soap world’s loss truly is the theatre world’s gain… I think we will be seeing a lot more of her in the future.

Thanks to the top notch cast and their dazzling comic timing this rendition of She Stoops to Conquer is a wonderful night of classic English comedy.

Continues until 21 April, book here.