Quintet in E, Op.11 No.5 wafting over the radio airwaves, my mind is transported back to the scene of the five gangsters pretending to be a quintet while hatching a plan for the heist in a room in King’s Cross, which they rent from an innocent old lady, Mrs Louisa Wilberforce, who lives in the flat below.
 

So when I went along to see the stage show, I was a little apprehensive. Was it going to reach my expectations? Was it going to be as funny?
 

I shouldn’t have worried as The Ladykillers has already had a successful run in the West End and on tour and now returns with a new cast.
 

Angela Thorne takes on the role of the sweet Mrs Louisa Wilberforce, John Gordon Sinclair steps into the part of Professor Marcus (played by Alex Guinness in the film), Simon Day gives a new slant to the role of Major Courtney, Ralf Little is perfect as the spiv Harry Robinson, Chris McCalphy plays the rather dim-witted One-Round, and Con O’Neill plays the knife-flicking-happy Romanian, Louis.  
 

Director Sean Foley’s and writer Graham Linehan have excelled in the adaptation bringing extra elements to the play, but retaining the Ealing Comedy feel.
 

The play speeds along at a rate of knots like one of the trains, we hear as sound effects, rumbling through King’s Cross station next to the Mrs Wilberforce’s house.
 

The hilarious slap-stick antics and comic fights are never ending with Ralph Little taking most of the punchlines.  
 

Jokes trip off the tongue of all the gang members and although the characters are all heavily caricatured – it all seems to add to the hilarity of the play.
It is a comedy without being clever or profound – it is pure, innocent innuendo and simple, jovial jokes. Something that is so refreshing these days.
 

Here we have an innocent old lady getting caught up with the baddies, yet the bad guys all have their foibles - Harry, the spiv, can’t stop cleaning as well as stealing, Major Courtney is a closeted gay, Professor Marcus is ruthless but intelligent and polite, One-Rounder is just plain stupid, and Louis has a phobia about old ladies.
 

For a fun night out and a step back into a more innocent world – this comedy couldn’t be better.           

The play continues at The Vaudeville Theatre, The Strand. Details: 0844 412 4663