The Lonesome West, The Octagon Theatre, Bolton, Runs until November 30 - MURDER, suicide, vicious jealousies and oodles of mean spirited spite -- this Irish comedy has it all.

Martin McDonagh, an acclaimed modern writer, has created a genuinely funny theatrical evening around these unlikely themes.

Brothers Valene (Michael Glenn Murphy) and Coleman Connor (Peter Dineen) live in a state of claustrophobic domestic warfare in a lonely cottage in Leenane, Galway where their father has just died.

Deep seated resentments and retaliations permeate everything they do and they manage to fall out spectacularly over everything from crisps and Catholic figurines to a new stove.

We get action with a shot gun and a knife together with several sly digs at the Catholic church.

The wonderful force of the writing and brilliant performances by the actors keep the laughs coming when you know that none of this would be funny if you were involved yourself.

Gradually a picture builds up of the limitations of life in an isolated community and the hurtful and sadistic sibling rivalry which has developed, unchecked, between two men who have clearly failed to grow up.

Deep down it is sad but most of the time you are too busy laughing to notice.

The principals are supported well by Kieran Lagan as the troubled and morose Father Welsh and Tracey Moore, who plays Girleen Kelleher, a girl from the village with enough charm to make you think the part is vastly under-written.

Sparkling direction from Mark Babych, a convincing set designed by Neil Irish and effective use of music and sound effects help to make this an extremely memorable production which should boost the theatre's new mood of optimism.

It is an imaginative choice of play and The Octagon rises to the challenge magnificently.