‘I can detach myself from the world,” P.G. Wodehouse once declared, and in her programme notes elevonetheatre’s Helen Taylor tells us this was her inspiration as she set about directing The Play’s the Thing, Wodehouse’s witty adaptation of Jatek a Castilian (A Play in a Castle) by Hungarian Ferenc Molnàr. With its classic ‘play within a play’ construction, this frothy, drawing room farce does indeed allow you to detach yourself from the world for a while, especially in this lively, polished production.

Playwrights Turai and Mansky have made a surprise visit to an Italian castle with their protégé, composer Albert Adam, to celebrate the completion of their new operetta. They are intending to ask leading lady, Ilona, to whom Albert is engaged, to star. But plans are derailed when the men overhear Ilona with her former lover, the actor Almady. Adam is distraught, and threatens to tear up his score and then kill himself. Luckily, Turai has a trick up his sleeve . . .

Former professional actor Phillip Cotterill (above) provides a strong linchpin as Turai, and he is full of smug self-assurance as he effortlessly manipulates all around him to achieve his aims. Mansky — played with energy and conviction by Alistair Nunn — is little more than his stooge, who has to stay awake at night to catch the words of wisdom that Turai utters in his sleep. David Guthrie as butler Dwornitschek is a wonderful comic creation; here is Jeeves with all his famous efficiency but with a twinkle in the eye.

If you’re looking for a bit of escapism, it’s all here in this delightful confection of comedy and romance.

At the Moser Theatre, Wadham College, until Saturday. Box office: 01865 305305 or visit www.111theatre.co.uk