What fun. A play that you can make neither head nor tail of, but that's OK – you don't have to hide your ignorance because it's Theatre of the Absurd and the very absurdity you're watching is a metaphor for the futility of the human condition.

Got it? That clear?

Probably not, but go and see this production of The Chairs by Eugene Ionesco anyway because it's thoroughly gripping and great fun.

It features a batty old couple – admirably played by Janet Amsden and Ciaran Mcintyre – reminiscing over their lives and what might have been.

The old man has an important message to impart to the world before he dies and has invited special guests to hear it.

As the imagined guests arrive the couple set out more and more chairs, engaging in conversations and even, hilariously, simulated sex amid a jumble of petticoats and old lady bloomers.

They hawk programmes and ice creams to their audience, but as the number of guests increases so does the old couple's fear and confusion, wonderfully conveyed as the actors negotiate a stage that is completely filled with chairs.

They – and by now, we – are awaiting the arrival of the Orator who will relay the message.

When he does arrive it's almost a shock that it's a real person (played by Geoff Nursey) and the old man cries: "I have not lived in vain now that my message can be relayed to the world."

But when the Orator starts to speak the message is not at all what we have been expecting.

It's a very funny ending and if by now you've read your programme you will know that the Absurdists distrusted language as a valid means of communication – they were influenced by the silent films of Chaplin, Buster Keaton and the comedies of the Marx Brothers, which should make everything abundantly clear.

This production, directed by Maria Aberg, is brilliantly staged and produced by Ustinov artistic director Andrew Smaje – a fitting final tribute to his talents before he leaves the theatre in October to take up his new role with Hull Truck Theatre.

The Chairs runs at the Ustinov until Saturday, September 4.

For times and tickets call the theatre box office on 01225 448844 or visit www.theatre royal.org.uk/ ustinov.

Jackie Chappell