Star rating: ***

Theatre Babel aren't known for comedy, arguably the most difficult genre to direct. When the script rhymes, it's an even bigger challenge. However, Graham McLaren's production of Liz Lochhead's new play - a fresh take on Moliere's romantic farce The School for Wives - is never less than entertaining, and when it finds its rhythm there are some truly funny moments.

At other times the cast quite understandably struggle with timing, provoking wry smiles at Lochhead's clever wordplay rather than belly laughs at the ridiculous plight of the characters.

Kevin McMonagle excels as the pretentious, scheming and deluded Arnolphe, who so richly deserves his comeuppance yet still manages to elicit shreds of sympathy until the bitter end. He's perfectly matched by Annikka Rose as his not-so-innocent young ward Agnes, whom he has attempted to groom into an ignorant and compliant wife.

Nature triumphs over nurture and Agnes chooses the puppyish Horace (John Kielty) over her pathetic benefactor, but as she proceeds to drive the old man up the wall with jealousy, she shrewdly keeps the audience guessing as to whether she's simply playing dumb.

Until May 3, then at Perth Theatre from May 8 to 10.