Elsie Bennett in Luv. PHOTO: THE OTHER RICHARD

THIS revival of Murray Schisgal’s 1964 hit Broadway show, is a fun and likeable rendering of the comedy by the co-author of the screenplay for Tootsie.

The play begins as a dishevelled Harry Berlin is stopped from jumping off a bridge by a passerby who turns out to be his old college friend, Milt Manville. The friends share stories from the past 15 years, with Milt initially trumpeting his successes, before eventually admitting he too is miserable, because his wife Ellen won’t divorce him. He decides to try to foist Ellen onto the lovelorn Harry as a last-ditch solution, and what ensues is an energetic, absurdist reflection on the elation and disappointment of love.

Director Gary Condes has put together a smooth and fast-paced production that drew laughs from the audience throughout, in spite of a few moments when the relentless slapstick failed to land.

There are strong performances from the cast. Charles Dorfman as Harry in particular shows great deadpan timing and Nick Barber as Milt has the mannerisms and appearance of a Vaudevillian performer.

The pared-down set, a misty derelict section of bridge, is a pleasingly ghostly backdrop. Condes, together with set and costume designer Max Dorey, have wisely kept the 1960s costuming for Ellen. Placing Ellen in the 60s is particularly important because Schisgal’s script really is a product of its time where gender politics are concerned.

In the second half Ellen appears dressed in black reading De Beauvoir’s Second Sex but it isn’t clear if the script is mocking or sympathising with her frustration. A well-pitched and endearing performance from Elsie Bennett as Ellen invites a more sympathetic reading.

All in all, the production is diverting and engagingly acted, even if the script does sometimes show its age.

Until January 7 020 7870 6876