IF the cast of a comedy based in ancient Rome needed inspiration for their roles they went to the right place on Tuesday.

For the Wharf Theatre company, who are about to appear in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, were in Bath to soak up the atmosphere at the Roman Baths.

The show runs at The Wharf Theatre in Devizes from April 27 to May 5 under the direction of Liz Sharman. She said: "In my opinion this is literally one of the funniest shows ever written.

"We have worked hard to wring every drop of comedy out of the script and Stephen Sondheim’s songs. We have been lucky to have an astonishingly talented cast of comedians, including Jonathon West in the lead role of the cunning slave Pseudolus played in professional productions by such great comedians as Phil Silvers, Zero Mostel and Frankie Howard.

"Jonathon, last seen as the Sheriff of Nottingham in the Wharf’s panto Robin Hood, is ably supported by Wharf comedy veterans such as Chris Underwood in the role of Hysterium, his panic-stricken boss, and Lesley Scholes as Domina, the archetypal batteaxe.

"We are also delighted to have professional comedy writer and performer Nick Swift in the cast playing Miles Gloriosus, the hilariously arrogant army captain. This show’s broad and politically incorrect humour have had us helpless with laughter during rehearsals and is guaranteed to have the same effect on its audiences."

The production is based on a book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart and pays tribute to Roman playwright Plautus but has a vaudevillian delivery.

The plot revolves around three neighbouring houses. Pseudolus schemes to win the heart of the beautiful virgin, Philia, for his young master Hero who, in return, has promised to grant him his freedom.

However chaos ensues with puns, hair-brained schemes, cases of mistaken identity and the slamming of doors along with satirical comments on social class.

Ever since the original 1962 Broadway production won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Author, Forum has proved itself to be one of the funniest musicals ever written.

Tickets £12/£10 concessions can be bought from: Devizes Library or from website Wharftheatre.co.uk.

The theatre is holding an open day for anyone who wants to get involved on April 28th from 10am and 2pm .