ATMOSPHERIC music sets the mood for this intriguing thriller directed with his usual panache by Kenneth Alan Taylor. Taylor staged Wait Until Dark at the Coliseum in the early seventies. The play has worn well and still packs a powerful punch. Having only seen Jo-Anne Knowles as a thigh-slapping principal boy at the Coliseum, I had not appreciated the depth of her talent.

She gives a stunning performance as the blind woman, Susy, who utilises her other senses in a terrifying situation.

Without revealing too much of the plot, the play centres on three "baddies" looking for a doll containing drugs.

Chief baddy is Roat played by Cliff Howells. Howells was recently seen at Bolton's Octagon Theatre in Two.

He succeeds in making Roat chillingly sinister, particularly in his scenes with Susy.

Paul Gabriel as the con-man Mike is wholly believable and John Elkington interjects humour into his role as the jumpy Croker.

The three men have to slip in and out of different parts in their bid to outwit Susy and all do so with style.

There's delightful acting from Karen Briffett as Gloria, the child who helps and hinders Susy. Kevin McGowan makes the most of a small part as Sam, Susy's husband.

As the play's title suggests, lighting - or the lack of it - is an integral part of the production. Lighting designer Phil Davies is to be congratulated on his clever handling of this.

This play was new to me and it kept me enthralled. Taylor keeps the action fairly whizzing along and the final scene brought screams from the audience. No director of a thriller could ask for more. DOREEN CROWTHER

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