The comedic short story written by Oscar Wilde in the late 1800's came to the stage this week and was received with a warm reception at the Churchill.

Laughs were aplenty in this quick-witted production which told the story of Lord Arthur Savile who is destined to commit a murder after an encounter with a clairvoyant.

The dim aristocrat is engaged to be married to the woman of his dreams, Miss Sybil Merton, and fears that she could be his victim.

On the advice of the London's infamous palm reader, Septimus Podgers, Lord Savile takes matters into his own hands by plotting to murder a family member to prevent himself from harming his beloved Sybil.

Chaos ensues as Lord Savile tries to perpetrate the deed only to come up against various obstacles - all the while concealing his secret from his suspicious bride-to-be.

West End and TV's Any Dream Will Do star Lee Mead was the attraction on the night with support from Dynasty actress Kate O'Mara - who both shone on stage.

Mead's first non-musical role saw the singer take to it like a duck to water. With prolonged periods treading the boards, Mead managed to keep the audience transfixed with his portrayal of the upper class and straight laced character of Lord Savile.

O'Mara seemed to have a habit of mumbling her lines but otherwise gave a grand show to the part of Lady Windlemere, who had the best one-liners about the troubles of marriage.

Gary Wilmot impressed with his cocky character Mr Podgers and David Ross delivered a hilarious performance as the Dean of Chichester.

The predictable and low key ending left you feeling slightly hard done by, especially as the whole narrative had built up a great deal of suspense.

However, the play was an enjoyable outing and we were even treated to a musical number from Mead.

Lord Arthur Savile's Crime is at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley until Saturday (February 6).