All the old comedy classics

Remember that Life Of Brian sketch in which John Cleese's Roman centurion chastises Graham Chapman for not conjugating the Latin verbs in his graffiti? If that provoked a knowing chuckle, you'll be on the same page as Alex Horne's Latin tutorial When In Rome, first seen in Edinburgh last year.

Horne is a clever clogs classics graduate from Cambridge whose aim is to resurrect interest in this much-maligned language via some nifty Powerpoint wizardry (with the help of deadpan assistant Tim Key), some ridiculous challenges and lots of audience participation.

Though the comprehensive kids will probably find themselves in the faintly intimidating company of (vocal) Latin boffs, you don't really need any understanding of Latin to appreciate this.

What you do need is a grasp of Horne's other, rather overbearing obsession - those Fighting Fantasy 'choose your own adventure' novels, where each section involves you making a decision or completing a challenge that will thread your path through the novel. This is how Horne steers you through Roman lingo and culture, splitting the audience into teams to play games.

The 'adventure' format can get rather baffling. But since Horne and Key are pretty adept, after countless shows, at taking the reins when the audience gets lost or diverted, the faults don't jar too much. What they have, ultimately, is an ambitious, inventive and enjoyable set that delights in its own pointlessness.

Tonight and tomorrow, Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street W1, 8pm, £8 to £12.50 (returns only). Tel: 0870 429 6883. www.sohotheatre.com Tube: Tottenham Court Road/ Piccadilly Circus

Alex Horne