One of our most outstanding TV actresses, Patricia Hodge is as focused as she is beautiful.

And in the revival of the classic Pinero comedy Dandy Dick, it is clear that the play, as they say, is very much the thing.

Written 125 years ago in Brighton, Dandy Dick tells the hilarious story of the Very Reverend Augustin Jedd, a pillar of Victorian respectability, who preaches regularly against the evils of horse racing and gambling.

But a visit from his tearaway sister, Georgiana, leads him to risk all at the races, much against his better judgement.

Georgiana, says Patricia “is a woman who brings a totally and utterly different set of values into a very establishment household.

“She breaks all the rules but it’s never for unkind reasons. She’s one of those people who are full of joy and spirit and it causes mayhem in this particular household.”

  • Dandy Dick, Manchester, Opera house , Monday, August 27 to Saturday, August 31. Details on 0844 871 3018