MONEY makes the world go round, but it can’t buy me love! That’s the verdict on Can't Buy Me Love at Salisbury’s Salberg this Christmas, where four actor musicians present vocal and instrumental numbers on money-related issues.

This classy dramatic production, ably directed by Gareth Machin with excellent musical direction by Kate Edgar, features Kieran Buckeridge, Christine Holman, Susannah Van Den Berg and Tomas Wolstenholme.

Alex Marker’s attractive set, with roulette wheel, huge dice, six shelves of financial files, an imposing staircase, and grand piano on a dais, is enhanced by Peter Hunter’s fine lighting.

The gallery is an additional showcase for the instrumental talents of the cast.

Nursery rhyme references to money (Sing a Song of Sixpence) illustrate the relevance of cash to the young. from earliest years The Monty Python Accountancy Shanty and Money Song, and Kieran Buckeridge’s menacing portrayal of the Tax Man are hilarious. We’re in the Money and Big Spender offer contrasting perceptions, as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (from High Society) concludes: “All I want is you.”

Christine Holman performs a poignant ballad about an English woman of a certain age. Susannah Van Den Berg copes forcefully with an exasperating man (guitar-playing Tomas Wolstenholme) who is oblivious to a mountain of bills.

Who would crave the luxury of 22 carat gold toilet paper? Would a coin to a needy person make the donor feel good? Whose neighbour has a garden full of furniture and a house full of plants?

Surely, being Salisbury in 2015, there has to be a mention of Magna Carta – and people can also help the Salberg’s refurbishment fund.

The differences between the haves and have-nots are undeniable, but ultimately, the most desirable attribute is a satisfied mind. This appealing show certainly satisfies. It runs until January 16.

STELLA TAYLOR