ANTHONY Burgess called it "one of the great comic novels of the 20th century". Robert Robinson, question master of radio and television, considered it "the funniest unknown book in the world". Dapper humorist Frank Muir deemed it "one of those little masterpieces which seem to pop up from nowhere".

From tonight, Augustus Carp Esq. 'pops up' at Friargate Theatre, York, in its world premiere stage presentation by Riding Lights Theatre Company, that York devotee of satirical comedy.

First published anonymously in 1924 as Augustus Carp Esq. by Himself - Being The Autobiography Of A Really Good Man, the novel was in fact the debunking work of one Sir Henry Howarth Bashford. Its satirical swipes at hypocrisy and cant make it a topical work amid the political spin of today.

Here is the story: Augustus Carp is a really good man, as he is the first to point out. Afflicted from birth by digestive disorders, Carp is nevertheless a model citizen, relentlessly pursuing the corruption that festers in all walks of public and personal life.

Family man and supreme champion of the neglected sport of Nuts in May, he uncovers the bizarre world of Edwardian Peckham that lurks around every corner.

Unfortunately for him, a cloud of diabolical misfortune threatens to blot out his horizon, bringing the kind of eye-watering disaster that happens when you reach for the stars but land on Uranus.

Through his odyssey, Carp upends the crazy paving of suburbia to expose the truth beneath, and his deeds are now brought to the stage in a new adaptation by Bridget Foreman, directed by Riding Lights' artistic director, Paul Burbridge.

The role of Augustus Carp goes to Jonathan Race, right, who graduated from RADA in 2000 and made his Riding Lights debut in the pre-Christmas production of Shep-herd's Delight.

He admits he had not been aware of Augustus Carp Esq. until Burbridge suggested he should play a part that requires 24-year-old Jonathan to age from six to his 30s. "He told me Carp was a self righteous, hypocritical oaf... which is fine!" says Jonathan.

Curious, although maybe not flattered at being considered ideal for the title role, Jonathan set about tracking down a copy of the novel from the darkest corners of the Waterstone's vaults in its biggest London branch.

"It's just a wonderful book," he says. "It's the sheer satire of the piece, and that's why it's accessible today as it's satirising aspects of humanity that are timeless. I'm sure there'll be uncomfortable feelings in the audience... hopefully there will!"

Augustus Carp Esq., Riding Lights, Friargate Theatre, York, tonight until July 5, 7.30pm nightly except Sundays. Tickets: £10, concessions £7.50; ring 0845 961 3000.

Updated: 11:26 Friday, June 13, 2003