IF domestic rows have become a tad tiresome, why not tootle off to Torquay’s Princess Theatre where the cast of Noel Coward’s classy Private Lives will do it for you.

Here be bitching of the highest order – a glorious sequence of deft put-downs and naughty-but-nice name calling.

Perhaps Coward never quite hit the same stream of effortless wit and twittery that he did with Private Lives, although Hay Fever runs it close.

Director Tom Attenborough does a commendable job with a receptive cast whose star player has to be Laura Rogers with her waspish Amanda Prynne, a happy blend of the odious and delightful.

Her opposite number Tom Chambers as Elyot Chase doesn’t quite match her. But he warmed to his task after a somewhat tentative start.

Their love-you-hate-you mismatch reached a joyful climax with a tempestuous tussle with all the immaculate timing of boiling the perfect egg.

This odd couple were so much more deserving of our attention than the lesser players of the piece – able flapper Sibyl Chase (Charlotte Ritchie) and her new acquisition, the somewhat gormless and almost decent Victor Prynne (Richard Teverson).

Even they had their moments. Indeed, as the curtain went down our squeaky pair were busy throttling each other.

It’s not particularly surprising this quartet of rowdy toffs had problems duffing up each other.

Copious amounts of alcohol were being downed throughout the night – and Health and Safety matters were rudely compromised with a seemingly never-ending supply of cigarettes being torched.

Coward is a regular staple for revivals. He’s done well with a 1930 effort which still has some resonance nearly 100 years down the line.

So many others, who were great then, have since fallen into complete obscurity. Yes, we’ll never forget whatisname.

This was a pleasant night at the theatre, made all the more memorable for the dramatic, multi-coloured walk along the beautifully illuminated seafront before and after the show.

Well done Torquay and the Princess – and full marks to Mr Coward for staying the distance. A pleasant distraction if ever there was.

The show runs until Saturday. Worth catching.

PAUL JAMES