I ONCE went to see a play called When Did You Last See Your Trousers?

As you can imagine, it wasn't about the breakdown of socio-economic structures in a materialistic world.

No. It was about doors slamming, cardboard people standing on ledges losing underwear while rancid romantic duplicity provided the basis of dialogue.

The plot development was as structured as the wobbly sets and as plausible as the impending arrival of a go-between, a toothy vicar.

Noises Off is, I hope, a parody/tribute/observation of that genre.

This play featured a weary touring company on the last leg - and their last legs - of a production called Nothings On, that would make Brian Rix seem like Noel Coward.

So this hard work for the cast and audience.

Farce is an art form and timing is crucial.

The humour. here lies in the chaos on and off stage.

Slapstick is king.

Act one takes its time to get going, but after the interval the eight strong cast are on a rock and roller ride.

Noises Off was written in 1977 and first performed in 1982 ,so it will date.

Yet it hasn't stopped it appearing all over the world.

Like Blood Brothers, it travels well - the subject matter is universal.

It has taken the Royal Court's CEO Kevin Fearon seven years to get it here and the first night audience lapped up the madcap mayhem.

Actors Michael Starke and Paul Broughton were in the front row seats giving it the thumbs-up, because they have been there and done it. They have the T-shirts.

It is a complex, multi-layered work from well -respected writer Michael Frayn.

He is still very protective about it.

And so are the players.

We, the audience, see a production from two view points.

In front of the stage and behind the scenes where bickering, egos, love affairs and alcohol fuel a perfromance that has to be seen to be believed.

It is frantically fast-paced: a two and a half hour insight into the mechanics of staging a show.

All the cast deserve degrees from the Carry On University.

TV stars Kim Hartman from Allo Allo and Coronation Street's Tupele Dorgu, join popular Court. stalwarts Stephen Fletcher and Danny O'Brien in a finely- balanced cast of local and national talent.

Bob Eaton, the real director, deserves a large drink for keeping this whole package together.

There are people playing hammy actors leaving in and out of linen cupboards; cat burglars galore and an on-going sub-plot about sardines that have now put me off them for life.

Now here's a first.

The stars of this production - which runs until October 4 - are the lighting, sound and design team who work wonderfully together, Now that is dramatic irony.

Let's hear it for the backroom boys and girls.

Full credit to the the warm and welcoming Royal Court for offering shows for all tastes and ages.

Globe rating  * * * * Sheer Farce Attack.