STANLEY Houghton's Lancashire comedy never loses its appeal. The Phoenix Theatre Company do it full justice in a swift-moving production directed with a fine feel for the play's period charm by Edwina Freeman. Although the production got off to a slightly shaky start - literally - when the scenery in the Hawthorns' humble home was somewhat unsteady, this was a very minor hiccup. And the audience was more than compensated by a stunning set for the Jeffcote mansion. The attention to detail in this was exceptionally good.

Freeman has assembled an excellent cast. Joyce Smith is suitably aggressive as Mrs Hawthorn and Phil Ward turns in an outstanding performance as her gentle husband, Christopher.

Sharon Halstead makes a feisty Fanny, the mill girl who goes off to Llandudno for a dirty week-end with the boss's son.

Another impressive performance comes from Sue Bolas as Mrs Jeffcote and Mike Jeffries does superb work as Nathaniel Jeffcote who is determined his son, Alan, is going to do "the right thing" by Fanny.

Chris Thompson makes the most of the role of Alan and Sara Harrison is touching in the small, but pivotal role of Beatrice, his wronged fiancee.

Chris Hopkinson is beautifully cast as the blustering Sir Timothy Farrar and he displays a fine feel for comic timing.

Carol Pilkington as Ada, the maid, completes the line-up. Costumes by Edwina Freeman cannot be faulted. A large first-night audience confirmed that Hindle Wakes is a popular choice and so it should be with plenty of comedy and witty observations about the hypocrisy that surrounds money and sex. DOREEN CROWTHER

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