What would you do if you discovered a family heirloom was worth a fortune, but only because it had belonged to a man who had been instrumental in one of the most tyrannical regimes in history?

Von Ribbentrop's Watch is set in a modern Jewish family home at Passover and presents just this dilemma. Gerald Roth played by the amiable Nicholas Woodeson, has recently fallen upon hard times. His wine business is not making money and the rent must be paid. By chance, he has discovered that his old watch is worth a small fortune, but only because it once graced the wrist of Joachim Von Ribbentrop, German Foreign Minister to Adolf Hitler.

Writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran are best known for their much-loved sitcoms such as Birds of Feather and Goodnight Sweetheart and there is more than a touch of gentle domestic comedy here with Barbara Young, who is splendid as the archetypal Jewish mother, full of criticism for her daughter-in-law Ruth, played by a rather miscast and awkward Gwyneth Strong. Jessica Dickens is believable as Gerald and Ruth's student daughter and there are also some enjoyable comedic moments between Gerald and his resentful younger brother (Andrew Paul) which were well received by the predominantly older audience.

The distinctively dark edge that really takes hold in the excellent scene between Gerald and The Collector (sublimely portrayed by Paul Brightwell) is what sets this play apart from the humdrum. Here we see flashes of greatness that leave the rest of the play sadly lacking by comparison. However, fans of Marks and Gran's previous work should not be disappointed as there are plenty of their signature touches in this new play.

Karalyne Chalmers