Yasmina Reza’s extraordinary 2008 play lifts the lid off the genteel politeness of middle-class Parisians as two couples meet to discuss the fallout from an incident between their respective sons – one has hit the other in the face with a stick, breaking two teeth.

In trying to resolve their own issues as parents, their own conflict with each other spirals downwards until, they, in turn, take on the attitudes and actions of children.

The play is usually performed without an interval, but the positioning of a break in this production is spot-on. The result is a relatively slow burn leading to a second half of chaos and alcohol fuelled viciousness. Christopher Hampton’s cracking adaptation brings with it the sharpest of edges and jaw-dropping lines.

Director Ellie Chadwick has taken the script by the neck and squeezed every last drop of wit, satire and comedy she can from it; it is a stunning production - the awkward pauses at the start are pushed to the limit and the escalation of the second half is beautifully judged.

Claire Louise Amias is just wonderful at mood changes and, as Veronique, the victim’s mother, her journey from ice cool, academic campaigner to screaming emotional wreck is a joy. As her underachieving husband Michel, Steve Blacker-Barrowman smartly disguises a razor tongue and general disgust with life, with a conciliatory superficiality; a savage performance of vicious stealth. The parents of the perpetrator (or is he?) fare little better. Apparently quiet and unassuming, Annette is transformed into a raging beast through a potent mixture of food, alcohol and violent sickness; Julia Main grasps every opportunity the character offers, the result is a devastating characterisation. Alain, Annette’s husband, is slippery, self-important and arrogant; forever on his phone, it takes a vase of tulips to truly bring him down to earth and Matt Hartley is simply brilliant in the role.

When you witness a group of actors working in perfect harmony, something special is delivered. It is not common for the Summer Festival to programme such a modern piece of theatre but it is a really positive step and brings to the Manor Pavilion audiences the chance to witness a classic of today.

As the audience warm to the realisation of what they are watching, the laughter rings out and the result is a wonderfully satisfying evening of high-class drama and acting at its finest. Do not miss the chance to see this fantastic play being given gold standard treatment.

God of Carnage runs until Friday, August 2. The next play, opening on Monday, August 12 is Abigail's Party  by Mike Leigh. Tickets available from www.manorpavilion.com