HILARIOUS and happy, a wonderful combination of comedy and charisma, Coward's clash of cultures resonates today as it did in the 50s...it's all about class...or the lack of it.

Noel Coward's Relative Values opened last night at the Theatre Royal Windsor to ringing applause...and with good reason.

It's a comedy of manners in which an American movie actress, Miranda, is preparing to wed a British earl, Nigel.

Then in comes Miranda’s former flame and current Hollywood sensation, Don.

Miranda is furious at the intrusion and would send Don packing except that the wary and wise Countess Felicity, knowing that the actress is no match for her son Nigel, blithely invites Don to stay for the evening.

But what happens next?

Felicity is played by Hilary Harwood, so let's start with this...Harwood is sensational.

Her dry, understated Cowardesque wit and charm are an absolute delight.

As 'mummy' she is just so charmingly controlling, powerful and wry.

This is a play on all we understand about who should and could fit in to the society in which we live...whatever that is.

Mark Laverty as Don is gorgeously Hollywood daaaarling and Sally Lofthouse as Miranda, a delight.

The ensemble brings Coward so vividly to life in all his beauty as a gifted voyeur, a people watcher fleshing out the insecurities and wonder in us all.

This is a belter. Those of you who know Coward will embrace an old friend, those of you who don't should do the same.

Ditch the tellybox or set to record and get down to the 'Royal' for this comedy of errors.

Relative Values. Theatre Royal Windsor until Saturday, October 21. Box Office: 01753 853888.