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In what many regard as a biographical look at his own life, You Can Never Tell is the fourth in the Abbey’s series of plays by Bernard Shaw – the first being Pygmalion in 2011. Directed by the award-winning Conall Morrison, known for directing both Sive and She Stoops to Conquer with success in the Abbey last year, this production marries well the humour and social commentary that have marked this work since its debut at the Royalty Theatre in 1899.

Morrison’s emphasis on comedy is immediately apparent from the opening scene. We first encounter Dolly (Genevieve Hulme-Beaman), while she is frolicking through the beautiful water feature that remains a constant in the production. Created by set designer Liam Doona, it gives the stage an almost mystical element from start to finish. Dolly and her brother Philip (James Murphy) almost act exclusively as a pair and their exploits are marked by flamboyancy. The latter is successful thanks to their costumes, for which Joan O’Clery gets credit.

Mrs Clandon (Eleanor Methven) is the mother of Dolly, Philip and Gloria (Caoimhe O’Malley). It is Mrs Clandon’s relationship with her estranged husband, Mr Crampton (Eamon Morrissey), which is at the heart of the play. The relationship was marked by abuse. As such Mr Crampton has seen neither wife nor kids for eighteen years, until their accidental meeting in the play. Tangential to this relationship is that of Gloria and Mr Valentine (Paul Reid). Their relationship questions society and feminism. Reid and O’Malley cope remarkably well with the quick-fire dialogue.

The star of the show is Walter Boom (Niall Buggy), the waiter who oversees all that takes place. His extravagance ensures that every scene with him is a treat, and highlights Morrison’s emphasis on humour throughout. This is a truly hilarious play that ensures equal doses of entertainment and reflection.