SHAKESPEARE at the Tobacco Factory is a theatre-lovers’ dream; no sooner has one astonishing production finished than another steps into its shoes.

Andrew Hilton’s version of Sheridan’s classic restoration comedy ‘School for Scandal’ is about as different as you can get from Polina Kalinina recent stylised take on ‘Romeo and Juliet’ – forget the stylish sixties, this show is all about the big wigs and fancy dresses!

Byron Mondahl (Sir Benjamin Backbite) is a joy to behold as he gently introduces us to a world of gossip and scandal, easing the transition back into the 18th century with a cunning juxtaposition of using a red mobile phone whilst half dressed in his pink brocade. A few tweets and an audience selfie and we are all ready to party with the ‘Macaronis’, Sheridan style.

The cast, as ever, are all brilliant in their respective roles, with Julia Hills as Mrs Sneerwell and Fiona Sheehan as Mrs Candour reminding everyone at just how a little scandal goes a long way.

Sheridan was, no doubt, a brilliant wit in his time and the brilliance of this performance lies in the way that a 21st century audience can soon forget the play’s provenance to become caught up in the gossip and distractions surrounding the Surface brothers and the entanglements of their respective love lives.

Farcical situations seem absolutely plausible by the end of the play, but brilliant twists and turns in the plot and an ultimate empathy with the main characters does mean that all’s well that ends well.

Special mention must go to Christopher Bianchi (Sir Peter Teazle), whose relationship with his young and fanciful wife (Daisy Whalley) reflects a discontentment and endearing loyalty that has the audience firmly on his side, whilst the interplay between Jack Wharrier (Charles Surface), duplicitous brother Joseph (Pappa Essiedu), and Chris Garner (their uncle, Sir Oliver Surface) is a pleasure to behold.

Yes, the production lasts for more than three hours and its eleven o’clock before you can wend your weary way back home, but it is true what they say: time flies when you are having fun!

The School for Scandal is at the Tobacco Factory, Bristol until May 9