The Court goes ape for a quirky comedy

The title alludes to an ancient gorilla, once the star of Bristol Zoological Gardens (though, thankfully the animal doesn’t appear stage left!).

The play is set in a decaying mock Tudor mansion in Bristol in 1970s Britain. Inflation, recession and Britain’s poor placing in the world order are the backdrop to a family reunion at the funeral of the patriarch.

His widow, Maud, and son Maurice, seem none too upset at the old man’s passing. Maurice listens to jazz, plays the drums and trades in dubious “literature” while Maud talks to the television and stacks her freezer with non-perishables.

They seem content with their lives but are joined at the funeral by the siblings – a glib back bench MP and an American based, youth obsessed, twin sister of Maurice. A conflict then ensues of views about where true happiness in life is to be found.

Peter Nichols is well known for works such as Privates on Parade and Day in the Death of Joe Egg.

Born In The Gardens runs from Wednesday until Saturday. For tickets call the box office 07543 560 478 or www.courttheatre.co.uk