Leslie's wooden Mr Whickham

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a high degree of redtop notoriety will not want for press attention when he makes his much-anticipated 'comeback'.

Thus the casting of John Leslie as Pride And Prejudice's charming but sinister love rat Mr Wickham has generated excited comment in some sections of the media.

Leslie's spiritedly wooden performance, however, is unlikely to create the same degree of excitement among connoisseurs of fine acting.

The former This Morning presenter is not the only weak link in Sue Pomeroy's somewhat lugubrious touring production. Crucially, there's little chemistry between Campbell-Jones's slightly glib Elizabeth and Nolan Hemmings's surly, rather sexless Darcy.

Yet Austen's dialogue and plotting remain irresistible. Sylvester McCoy makes an entertaining paterfamilias as Mr Bennet and, among the younger cast members, Anna Steel is a vivacious Lydia while Ben Roddy's extravagantly awful Mr Collins is a creation almost worthy of David Walliams.

Until Sat, Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill SE10, 7.30pm, Wed and Sat mats 2.30pm, £12 to £18. Tel: 020 8858 7755. Rail: Greenwich

Pride And Prejudice