THIS newly written comedy is the first stage play to be crafted by BAFTA winning television scriptwriter and series creator, Nick Fisher, and it created a more than favourable impression.

Admittedly a tiny bit pedestrian and predictable in parts, almost a shade dated, it really livened up after the interval and it’s to be hoped more will be forthcoming from our Mr Fisher.

It was certainly enjoyed by a disappointingly small first night audience which laughed in all the right places and really enjoyed the rapport the excellent cast of four had with them.

The comedy revolves around a family pet – a dog not long for this life - as the vet arrives to carry out the unfortunate task.

This is at the middle-class designer home of Miranda (Christine Kavanagh) and her ex-husband, Guy (Nigel Havers).

Guy is self-centred and ulterior motives get the better of him when he returns to the marital home for Toby’s final moments – especially when he learns his ‘ex’ now has another man in her life, and he’s French!

There’s some wonderful cut and thrust between the two as Ms Kavanagh provides first class support, while Graham Seed’s down the middle vet Martin, helped anchor matters as an excellent straight-man.

Not the world’s greatest comedy but nevertheless enjoyable, and it’s also relatively short at just over 90 minutes duration – excluding the interval.