WHO wants to be a millionaire? Well, Henry Holland does for a start.
To achieve his dream he steps out from behind his stuffy pinstripe exterior and robs the bullion van which he has faithfully guarded for 32 years.
Okay, stop me if you've heard the story before – and of course you have. It's The Lavender Hill Mob.
Normally if a play is successful it is made into a film. But in this case the much-loved Ealing comedy has become – in the capable hands of Clive Francis and Victor Spinetti – a stage triumph, at Plymouth's Theatre Royal.
I confess I wondered how they would cope with the 'closing in' of the story, especially the raid itself. But it's all brilliantly managed, thanks to superb sound effects, a cleverly adaptable revolving tower of scenery and deft touches of directorial imagination.
The whole thing is Mr Francis' baby. He directed as well as adapted the piece, which in Golden Jubilee year he has updated a little, allowing the heist with the Midas touch to take place on Coronation Day.
It's slick, quick and full of delicious one-liners ('I'm at that stage in life when if a girl says no, I'm profoundly grateful,' Henry says).
The witty script is delivered confidently by a cast which includes former Artful Dodger (from the film of Oliver!) Jack Wild, EastEnders' Michael Melia on top form and a hugely beguiling Claire Harding, all taking at least dual roles.
While Victor Spinetti positively exudes Machiavellian bonhomie, Lavender Hill belongs to Clive Francis. His bowed shoulders, suggesting the weight of life's disappointments are much too heavy, slowly lift as his criminal enterprise takes off – and they never quite collapse again even when, once the gold is shipped to France as miniature Eiffel towers, it all goes hilariously wrong.
Laugh? Eiffel about!
One final thought – it was such a joy to sit in air-conditioned comfort and to have the luxury of free evening car parking. An example (are you listening Torquay?) that certain other towns would do well to copy.
l The Lavender Hill Mob runs until Saturday.