"A HARD hitting comedy drama for grown-ups" is how Tyldesley Little Theatre itself described this show. True, there's some tough talking here, and the odd obscenity, but by and large this is a comedy of the first order. Set in an 1980 sprawling housing estate it's a tale of two couples who, in their own way, are battling to make the very best of what they have, some succeeding more than others.

It's sharp, caustic, and quite superbly written, as you would expect form the inimitable Willy Russell.

All productions, however, rely upon the cast, and in Ian Taylor and Barbara Dry, director David Hadcroft has two superb actors who gave quite wonderful performances and took their parts of Roger and Jane Fuller to the very limits.

Jenny Orman and Denis Beardsworth were also quite wonderful as Pauline and Denis Cane, the couple who didn't quite fit, but in their own small way were going somewhere, although not necessarily where Denis wanted to be.

All the action takes place within one small dormer lounge, and it's a tribute to all concerned that they managed to convey the whole of an estate, its life, its people and everyday activity from within the confines of these four small walls.

Director David Hadcroft worked tremendously hard to produce what is a first rate play which has some searingly wonderful moments, some marvellous one-liners, and at times a classic comedy build-up which left last night's audience grasping their sides.

For a good night out, only if you're grown-up of course, head down to Tyldesley Little Theatre, its well worth the journey. ANGELA WARHURST

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.