Boston Marriage, Octagon Theatre, Bolton. Runs until May 3

THIS is a very funny play.

The Boston Marriage of the title is that of two lesbians, one, Anna, has acquired a male protector and the other, Claire, is in love, or lust, with a young woman.

Claire, beautifully and stylishly played by Rebecca Charles has nothing but admiration for Anna's acumen in acquiring a wealthy lover but Anna, a wonderfully bitchy performance from Vivien Parry, suffers pangs of jealousy about the unseen third in the unconventional triangle.

The comedy of manners is set in 1898, but the language is very much of now. That means a smattering of four-letter words and modern idioms. But far from detracting from the action, this up-to-date use of language by playwright David Mamet, brings an immediacy to the dialogue which is seductive. Try not to miss a word, because every one counts.

You are soon involved in the disgraceful and disorderly lives of Anna and Claire who for most of the play are protagonists rather than lovers. And if they are not delivering invective snappy, snide and hilarious at each other, they are directing it at the maid Catherine, a sensationally scene-stealing performance from Kellie Shirley. The running joke is that Anna is wrongly convinced that Catherine is Irish. Thus, she calls the girl by a variety of what she believes are typically Irish names, and berates her about the Irish potato famine.

There's another Boston marriage in the play that of Anna's lover. How an emerald necklace affects both marriages is a central aspect of the storyline. Hypocrisy, class warfare, the role of women in the 19th century are all touched upon, but with such light humorous touches that it never seems like preaching.

The set by Fiona Watt is sumptuous. Its luxury contrasts sharply with the dowdy uniform of the maid. Watch out for a joke about her apron.

It was tribute to the three actresses, and the clearly perceptive direction of Fiona Buffini, that not only were there many laugh-out-loud moments, but that sometimes spontaneous applause held up the action. There is one kiss on the lips for Anna and Claire -- an entirely suitable and non-salacious embrace.

An excellent production. I thoroughly recommend it.

Doreen Crowther