It’s a pleasure to see the Old Benny back in operation, known since May 20, 2010, as Groundlings theatre, drama school and much more.

This production of Ibsen’s provocative play makes fine use of Groundlings’ wardrobe collection and a well-detailed set (no portrait of him, but authentic looking pistols that belonged to Hedda’s deceased father) to create a 19th century Norwegian- looking scene.

As Hedda, Megan Wiseman-Davies shows the brusque, brisk imperiousness she has inherited, and the sour wit that drives her bullying behaviour, snapping at Bertha (Katy Burrows does well, showing some attitude herself), pulling old schoolfriend Thea’s (Charshy Nash) hair and then destroying the ‘child’, the ‘great work’ she’d helped her and Hedda’s former love Eilert (Lawrence Barrett) to create.

Jon Abbott emphasises the weak and self-indulgent sides of Hedda’s husband, but shows great affection for his aunt Juju (which Heather Uden richly deserves), while Jim Wringe as Judge Brack seems a more formidable match for Hedda.

All these actors make noteable debuts here. Director Richard Stride has served them and the audience well.