THE scruffiest detective in history shuffles back to life in this engaging stage version of the very first Columbo tale – not so much a “whodunit?”, but a “how will he catch them?”.

Set in 1968 Los Angeles, it’s old-fashioned in all the right ways, like a reliably-made, comfortable piece of furniture.

Psychiatrist Dr Flemming (Patrick Ryecart) thinks he has arranged the perfect murder of his wife (Karen Drury) by giving himself a foolproof alibi. All seems fine until a rain-coated policeman (Dirk Benedict) appears at his home waving a cigar and gently tugging at “loose ends”.

The supporting cast is very solid, with consistent accents and good performances throughout. But the heart of the play is the duel of wits between the cold, sophisticated Flemming and the shabby, apparently bumbling Columbo, and the two principals don’t disappoint.

Former A-Team star Benedict proves he’s more than just a pretty Face by making the role of the unkempt cop very much his own. He throws in enough Peter Falk-style gestures to please fans of the original show, but never resorts to lazy impersonation.

Beneath the hapless yet dogged exterior, there’s plenty to suggest that, just maybe, there’s a detective genius.

And experienced actor Ryecart – you’ll know the face, if not the name – makes his “psycho therapist” a believable, even occasionally likeable villain who might just get away with his crime.

Elizabeth Lowe gives good support as Flemming’s lover and accomplice, while her oft-displayed legs probably deserve a billing of their own. And former Brookside actress Drury provides some comic relief – even in her death scene – as the ill-fated wife.

George Telfer and Karren Winchester make the most of their slightly underwritten roles as Flemming’s friend and receptionist respectively, fleshing out the characters despite their scant lines.

The scene changes are a little slow – hence, presumably, the second interval – but like the determined detective, we got there in the end, and it was a highly enjoyable journey. It’s a case well worth investigating.