NOT being a huge fan of farce -- lots of characters running around on stage, numerous cases of mistaken identity with lots of double entendres thrown in -- I wasn't sure what to expect from Run For Your Wife.

What I did get by the end of the evening was a sore face and aching ribs from laughing so much.

Cleverly scripted by Ray Cooney, the show tells the story of seemingly ordinary John Smith, whose secret life is in danger of becoming exposed after being hit by an old lady's handbag during a fracas with two youths in the street.

Mr Smith, played brilliantly by Peter Haslam, has been secretly living separate lives with two Mrs Smiths, played by Lorraine Kenny (Mary) and Gail Roberts (Barbara).

But a trip to the hospital to get his head bandaged throws his perfectly arranged diary that keeps the two women from meeting into disarray.

Add two police constables and best friend Stanley Gardner, played by Alan Macpherson who also directed and produced the production, who tries to help John out of his sticky situation, and you've got a great evening out.

A special mention should also go to Mick Tonge whose exceptional portrayal of dressmaker neighbour Bobby Franklyn stole the show.

The simple front room set, designed by the Marco Players production team, ensured that all the action from both of Mr Smith's houses could be captured on stage at the same time.

And yes, with Run For Your Wife there was a great deal of running around on stage, cases of mistaken identity and double entendres, but I think Ray Cooney may have just helped change my mind about farce

Runs until Saturday.

Alison Barton