Nineties Off-Broadway hit still radiates charm

are pertinent and funny, diving perceptively into these tricky waters. It’s not all desperation, as two nerds discover something in common, proving that every pot has a lid. And a date actually phones a girl back when he said he would; an occasion of equal rapture and amazement.

Of course today they would be WhatsApp-ing before he left the front door.

The second half is devoted to the after-party, when rings are finally exchanged and a couple embark on their hopefully romantic trip into the sunset.

Again, these days, not everybody bothers about a ring.

Babies, disappointed prospective in-laws, unhappy husbands who prefer their car – never trust a petrolhead – the inevitable divorces and, refreshingly, a husband who still loves his wife after many years together. It can happen.

The four talented South African singers all have impressive credits in big musicals. The men are Neels Clasen, with an infectious grin; his partner in testosterone crime, Brandon Lindsay, who manages both nerds and studs with ease.

The girls, who are naturally in command, are Claire Taylor, both sweet and sassy, and Taryn-Lee Hudson, who makes the most of the horrendous screech she perfected in Singin’ in the Rain.

Although funny, at times she gets a bit shrill and I couldn’t always pick up all the words. Needless to say, she can also belt out tunefully with the best of them.

This was, of course, an American show originally and they have stuck to that, with the usual rather ersatz American accents. It’s a pity, although they may have been constrained by copyright issues.

I see that an Australian company did the show with Australian accents and references a few years ago. It would have been nice to have it fully South African.

Still, this is a cheerful night out, and the situations will definitely strike a chord or two. We’ve all sweated through most of them, good and bad. As a final note, the audience loved it. That’s what counts!