THE latest offering from the Chesil Theatre is a fun performance to put a smile on even the most stoical face.

It is presenting Shakespeare’s 'Comedy of Errors', which is one of the bard’s most light-hearted works.

The farce centres on two sets of identical twins that are separated as infants only to encounter each other as adults.

Unaware of each other, chaos ensues as the masters countermand each other and servants carry out the wrong errands.

The Chesil Theatre uses a mixture of colourful wigs, jackets and moustaches to portray each set of twins.

Much of the humour surrounds the beleaguered servants, who are both called Dromio.

Peter McGrath, the younger of the two, has a good outing, comically scampering and scurrying around the stage, often under a pile of suitcases.

Gary Nicholson also generates the laughs as the other downtrodden serf, sent half-crazy by the increasing confusion.

The set design is cheerful, and despite the compact nature of the theatre, seems light and airy.

Certainly this play, directed by Sarah Hawkins, is a treat for those who fancy a cultured chuckle and good guffaw.

'Comedy of Errors' runs at the Chesil Theatre until Saturday, May 23. Tickets are available from the Theatre Royal, Winchester, on 01962 840440.