Lloyd George Knew My Father opens on an impressively realistic and elaborate set, decorated with grand old furniture and beautiful antiques. This comfortable atmosphere prepares the audience for its introduction to the whimsical Boothroyd family, whose quest to save the countryside from destruction forms the central plot. Lady Boothroyd, well played by Helen Ryan, plans to kill herself on the morning work begins on the planned dual carriageway unless it can be stopped. Much to her dismay, the rest of the charmingly upper class Boothroyds, and in particular her husband William, refuse to take her seriously and life goes on as normal. General William Boothroyd is played hilariously by Edward Fox, whose previous credits include Poirot, Never Say Never Again and Nicholas Nickelby.

William Douglas Home’s script is razor sharp and delivered to great effect, especially by Fox who displays impeccable timing. General William Boothroyd is portrayed as a shining example of an upper class old man who has lived a long, full life and has retained plenty of wit – but displays the most endearing traits of old age. His long marriage to Lady Boothroyd is the focus of many hilarious discussions, such as the opening scene in which Lady Boothroyd works out how many thousands of eggs they have had between them for breakfast. In the end, though Lady Boothroyd is defeated and work goes ahead on the dual carriageway, she cannot bring herself to suicide. She also explains to her husband in a touching scene that although he drives her crazy, she could never leave him. This heart-warming strand of the play is among many themes that are not only timeless but relevant. An exploration of the changing face of politics and society, for example, prevents this play from becoming dated.

Lloyd George Knew My Father is a highlight of the King’s season and is well produced and extremely well acted. It’s also delightfully witty and there are plenty of thoroughly enjoyable laugh-out-loud moments, as well as a touching and enduring quality that invites the audience into the Boothroyds’ drawing room and into the family.