A serious core is wrapped in many layers of fun in this splendid show; the first play I've seen that is performed in the same place as its action is set (having not seen Aida in Egypt, or Romeo and Juliet in Verona, or Tosca in Rome), i.e. the NT itself.
Having a top cast in top form helps. Special praise from for Alex Jennings and Frances de la Tour, but really everyone was brilliant.
And then there's The Show Stopping Joke (tm):
- WH Auden: I'm going to suck you off.
Humphrey Carpenter (brandishing a microphone): But I'm from the BBC!