Always popular at this quaint riverside dinner theatre, Alan Ayckbourne's plays give just the right balance of light and dark humour in his telling observations on relationships in our modern world. Time of My Life is no exception. It's a well-told story of middle-class family dynamics in all their ghastly manifestations. Directed by Terence Booth, this is a sure-footed presentation that crackles with theatrical energy.

It is centred on the Stratton family a well-to-do lot headed by Gerry, a self-made man and proud of it. Played by Robert Austin, he is revealed in many shades confidence, bonhomie, insecurity, anger and loss. It is the evening of his wife Laura's 54th birthday; with their two sons, accompanied by a wife and a girlfriend, they meet in their favourite fake-Mediterranean restaurant for a celebration. Laura is a horrible woman rude, selfish, snobbish, and cold. But her portrayal by Rachel Bell is so brilliant and charismatic that I was quite fond of her by the end. To be honest, her deadbeat sons and violent husband don't really deserve better treatment from her, though I felt for their partners when they got the rough end of Laura's tongue. Ouch!

As he does so often, Ayckbourne plays with time. The dinner is the focal point, and other scenes show what happens to lead up to this life-changing evening. These are interspersed with scenes showing the aftermath. It is interesting to see how this family, who seem to have it all, implodes emotionally, financially and socially. It's strong stuff, but very humorously told.

One of the strangest presences in the piece is that of the ubiquitous Stuart Fox who appears as a variety of different waiters, old and young, from many countries. Rude, sexy or fawning you name it, he plays it. This is a very funny running gag that snowballed. If you like your entertainment both dark and light then this is the show for you. On at the Mill until July 29 (box office 0118 969 8000), it promises a night to remember.