Miracle Theatre has brought original live performances to audiences across Cornwall and beyond for 45 years. Its current tour is in full swing, with dates throughout the summer at outdoor venues including Tregrehan in St Austell, Trelissick near Truro, Penlee Park in Penzance and Ebbingford Manor near Bude.

Romantic comedy Love Riot is based on The Belle’s Strategem by 18th-century playwright Hannah Cowley. I’m ashamed to say I’d never heard of it, or her, and hope this tour will do much to educate my fellow ignorami.

Young debutante Letty has been promised in marriage to Doricourt since childhood, but is determined to be the mistress of her own destiny. Much hilarity ensues as she tries her hardest to repel her prospective life-partner, only to find she might feel differently after all.

The original was adapted by Hannah Mulder to suit a cast of five, with the two male actors working their socks off in numerous roles.

Hats off to Daniel Richards, who switches seamlessly between harrumphing father, insect-obsessive husband and, to uproarious effect, thrusting womaniser. Equally, Danny Mellor makes the most of the contrast between aloof Doricourt and camp costumier Flutter.

As for the ladies: last year, Truro Cathedral chorister Millie Montgomery-Smith sang at the King’s coronation in Westminster Abbey. Now, she is a highly competent leading lady, her Letty eliciting LOLs aplenty but also much sympathy from the audience.

With a compact and clever set and beautiful costumes by Miracle regulars Al and Jude Munden, and period-inspired music by Louis Gulliver King, it’s easy to slip back into the 18th century – and yet, Cowley’s story translates well to a 21st century audience. Ultimately, the characters aspire to a harmonious lifelong relationship, a theme as relevant today as it was in Regency times.

Miracle describes Love Riot as “an inspiring show that will captivate teenagers as much as their grandparents”. We tested this out with our own discerning teen, who absolutely loved it but asked me to warn any shrinking violets off sitting on the front row, lest they find themselves part of the action.

Find further dates at miracletheatre.co.uk/shows/love-riot