But with dawn come local government officers to Byron’s Wood, with its four ancient trees (courtesy of ULTZ’s design). They will put a stop to Rooster’s shenanigans: evict him, bulldoze his home, and turn the ancient mystic woods into a housing estate. So far so Wicker Man meets Ealing Comedy. But when they leave Rooster himself appears and the wild ride begins. 

A man with the worst ever hangover, Rooster dispatches it by a hand-stand head-dunk in a water tank, cracking an egg, and draining a carton of milk. He tosses the shell and carton into the stalls. Hands shoot up to catch what people know will be treasured souvenirs of an exceptional night of theatre.

Rooster is, of course, played by Mark Rylance. Having taken us by the scruff of the neck with his throwing skills, he proceeds to give a jaw-dropping masterclass in acting. Or it would be if he told us how he does it. His vocal and physical range are as extraordinary as the stamina that brings the complex, mysterious character of Rooster to life for the nearly three hours of the action. His tall stories, soliloquies, extended lists, and extended curse are triumphs of memory, range and register, and make this a night to remember.