FEW plays survive the ravages of time. Either forgotten or irrelevant, not fitting with the tastes of the future, many have simply disappeared into the ether.

Thankfully She Stoops to Conquer, written by Oliver Goldsmith and first performed in 1773, has endured.

Revised by Lindsay Posner the play is lifted from the peaceful 1770s into the roaring 1920s, complete with Charleston and finger waves. We follow Mr Hardcastle, a well-heeled, overblown lord of a quaint country pile, who is attempting to marry his daughter Kate off to one Charles Marlow. Being a farce however, things soon take a comedic turn, with many misunderstandings and cases of mistaken identity ensuing.

Harry Michell is a marvel to watch as Tony Lumpkin, the red-headed step-child full of boyish glee and an irrepressible energy. Catherine Steadman also puts in a fine turn as Kate Hardcastle, switching effortlessly between a lordly cut-glass inflection and an ‘umble West Country burr, increasingly blending the two as time goes by. But it is Hubert Burton who truly steals the show as the bumptious Marlow.

An assured production, with an intriguing stage design, some outstanding performances and an intricate plot, She Stoops to Conquer certainly aims to impress. Indeed, aside from some archaic social conventions, the only real sign of its age is the occasionally convoluted dialogue. By turns riotous, charming and sincere, She Stoops to Conquer is a night of fine fun for all.

She Stoops to Conquer runs at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday, July 18.