Playing at the soon-to-be refurbished Redgrave Theatre this week is the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School's production of George Farquhar's 'The Beaux' Stratagem'. Written in the 1700's, the play epitomizes the attitude of the era and, appropriate to the times, offers an interesting plot about deception, greed, and love.

The basic plot is the effort of "two gentlemen of broken fortune", Aimwell and Archer, to marry money. They come to an inn with Aimwell posing as a noble lord, and Archer acting the part of his servant. Aimwell sets his sights on Dorinda. Archer, who is supposed merely to forward his confederate's designs, begins in character by trying to seduce the maid, but then falls in love with Mrs Sullen, who is unhappily married to Dorinda's brother. The tension of the play rises as Mrs Sullen comes closer and closer to welcoming the advances of Archer and cheating on her husband. The happy ending comes with a farcical, amicable divorce.

Directed by Andrew Normington, the 18-strong cast of second year students had a good bash at this piece. Demonstrating their understanding of the social and historical context of the play, they brought some comic and charming characters to life, whilst also highlighting the dark overtones of George Farquhars's satire.

As the play opened, we were thrown straight into the hustle bustle of the country inn which the piece was set in. After his initial entrance, Alexander Woolnough warmed up to his part and gave an animated performance of the scheming landlord, Boniface. Steven Miller and Niall Macgregor gave convincing performances as the two gentlemen, Aimwell and Archer. Mrs Sullen, played by Alix Dunmore, and Dorinda, played by Dorothea Myer-Bennett, made an impression from their first slick entrance, playing and bouncing off each other throughout their dialogue. For me, Squire Sullen (Bruce McNeal) and Scrub (Ian Bonar) stole the show - their fresh and skillful performances were hilarious.

The set was disappointing. It was a raised square, set with minimal furniture, and did not seem to have much use, or to compliment the piece. Other little moans and groans would be about the incredibly long first half and the pace, which dragged. Lighting was fitting, as was the music and period dance. I personally would have liked the entrances and exits of the individual characters to have been played on far more than they were.

Aimwell and Archer's stratagem leads them and the audience on an adventure. There is the usual byplay of a Restoration comedy, including serving girls, bold highwaymen and a French count, and, as director Andrew Normington says as he quotes Dr. Johnson, above all, this is entertainment which strives to make an audience 'merry'. So if you need a giggle, make your way to the Redgrave this week, raise your ale glasses and join in the fun!!!