THE line between professional and amateur theatre is often blurred when Bolton Little Theatre is staging a production. Saturday's first night of Harold Pinter's The Homecoming was one of the occasions when that line disappeared altogether. It is hard to envisage any company making a better job than BLT of this blackest of black comedies. The standard of acting from every member of the cast was first-rate and director John Cunningham displayed a deep understanding of Pinter's menacing work.

The homecoming of the title is that of Teddy and his wife, Ruth, from America. They are are visiting Teddy's family in North London. Time has clearly dimmed Teddy's memory, or he has chosen to forget, what vile people his father and brothers are.

There's Max, his father, played so obnoxiously well by Harold Smith that he makes television's Steptoe seem like Father Christmas.

Lenny, a pimp who enjoys beating up people, is chillingly brought to life by the talented Stuart Shaw. His menacing stares were even more frightening than Max's vicious outpourings.

Joey, the intellectually-challenged boxer was marvellously played by Steve Cain.

They all seek to dominate Ruth - a superb, sexually charged performance from Helen Price Aindow. But she succeeds in gaining control over them.

The most difficult role in the play is that of Teddy who is often required to be an onlooker as his wife, apparently reverting to type, behaves like the prostitute she is to become.

Barry Hall, often using only looks and gestures, conveys the helplessness of Teddy, who despite worldly and academic success can never escape from his father's domination.

The only reasonably sympathetic character is Sam, Max's bachelor brother, played by Frank Lynch. In a beautifully understated performance, Lynch reveals the resignation of being the butt of Max's viciousness, while hinting at having had a more than friendly relationship with Max's late wife.

A marvellous evening of theatre. DOREEN CROWTHER

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