Theater: “The Habit of Art” by Alan Bennett @ 59E59

Oh to be a fly in the wall of a conversation between poet W.H. Auden and composer Benjamin Britten! Two British legends who collaborated on a number of films and musical compositions in the 1930s, their professional and personal relationship fell apart in 1942 and they never spoke again.

That was apparently throwing down the gauntlet for funnyman-playwright Alan Bennett, who in 2009 wrote “The Habit of Art,” (now at 59 e 59) which imagines a touching but hilarious reconciliation between the two in 1972.

“Habit” is set in a regional theater in the UK, where cynical actors are rehearsing the imaginary Auden-Britten play in front of the temperamental playwright (Robert Mountford). Madness reigns: changes to the book are being made in real time; a reporter from the BBC (Benjamin Chandler) suddenly appears and is mistaken by Auden for the rent-boy he hired; and a character named Fitz (the LOL-hilarious Matthew Kelly) is late for his coffee commercial booking and can’t remember his lines.

People who’ve read Alan Bennett or seen his movies or plays (“The History Boys” “The Madness of King George”) know his penchant for satire and erudition. Having a talented cast that demonstrates what theater should look and sound like contributes immeasurably to the enjoyment. A standout is Kelly, whose comic timing and facial expressions would cause the statue of Lord Nelson in Trafalgar Square to come alive and start giggling.

Chapeau to “Habit’s” director Phillip Franks, to the Original Theater Company, and of course Alan Bennett who could make a Tesco shopping list sound funny. Run ends May 28 so get thee to 59 e 59 forthwith. A theatrical jewel polished to a fare-thee-well.