UNTIL MARCH 30. REVIEW: Naked Justice, Theatre Royal, Bath. Here's proof the so-called 'well made play' doesn't have to be stuffy.

The former QC John Mortimer's new piece about the legal system is both challenging and intelligent. The social satire on criminal law, policing, race relations and failing schools is bang up to date, giving it a far wider scope than mere court-room drama.

Yet it sparkles with wit and humour.

There's never a dull moment throughout, and the neat twist at the end is witty and satisfying.

At the moral heart of Naked Justice is an endearingly roguish old judge called Fred, played here with masterly timing by the veteran comic actor Leslie Phillips.

He's accompanied on the 'circuit' by elegant, sane Elspeth (Joanna van Gyseghem) who handles the insane and inelegant divorce case, and the poker-faced Keith (Simon Ward), who gets the big-time murder case.

John Mortimer shows us that, whatever your walk in life, the ability for self-mockery is a yardstick for being human. The three 'naked' judges are seen behind the scenes at their provincial hotel, with their petty concerns about the contents of the drinks cabinet and bathroom hygiene, their banter and camaraderie. Gradually, as the week at the local lawcourt unfolds, their professional attitudes are laid bare.

In a generally strong cast directed by Robert Chetwyn, Simon Ward in particular is convincing as the repellent chauvinist bigot.

What does it matter if Judge Fred's weapon against him is blackmail, if it means that a disadvantaged young man gets acquitted despite the odds? And he manages it all without setting foot in the actual courtroom, thanks to Mortimer's skilful knitting of the strands of the story.

Naked Justice continues at the Theatre Royal until March 30. Box office: (01225) 448844.