To some the legendary Gilbert Harding is a monochrome memory, to others an antediluvian unknown. The power of this play is that it contains enough dramatic alchemy to conjure magic for those both familiar and those freshly acquainted with this reviled and revered personality. Leonard Preston's scintillating script and Edward Woodward's masterfully honed portrayal of the irascible Mr Harding makes mesmeric theatre. A celebrated columnist, broadcaster and eloquently outspoken personality, he also had a darker side to his private life. Harding was a homosexual in an age when committing such acts was against the law. It was only a matter of time before one would become the focus of police attention in fifties society. Woodward fine tunes the role to perfection. The notorious celebrity is seen as waspish and outrageously witty. However, we see shafts of warmth and compassion occasionally shining through.

]onathan Cullen gives a superb performance as Harding's apologetic private secretary Midgely - a sensitive soul initially ill-equipped for the verbal volcanics of his boss and whose domestic life is dominated by his hard-talking lover Eric (Joshua Henderson). Frances Cuka is convincing as Mrs Clarke, a straight-talking housekeeper, loyal despite viewing some of her employer's traits with disdain. Helen Bourne captures the right air as Nancy Spain - Harding's fellow TV panellist and confidante, while as DI Strang, Christopher Saul brings a contemptuous edge in a cat and mouse game as he baits the man over his sexual indiscretions.

Directed with pace and compassion by David Giles and played against a simple but effective set by Kenneth Mellor, this is an evening's viewing to savour long after the final fade of the back projected BBC test card.