THIS adults only classic - now on its fifth national tour - is hilarious with an underlying sadness.

It contains simulated sex and an avalanche of four-letter words which is always more humorous than offensive.

Parties of middle-aged women giggled and roared with laughter and nobody walked out.

It makes you realise that serious swearing and the sight of a bare bottom on stage no longer has the power to shock in this context.

Randy Bob (Chris Hargreaves) has his wicked way with two teenage babysitters in genuinely funny scenes familiar to anybody who saw the 1986 film version of Andrea Dunbar's 1982 play.

The girls, from a grim Northern council estate, are bursting with life and vitality even though their expectations in life are low.

They take it in turn to entertain Bob in his car and elsewhere with a total lack of shame or inhibition - but inevitably it all goes wrong.

Paul Frances, better known as Diana Corkhill in Brookside, is Sue and her friend Rita is played by Lisa Herbertson.

They work together really well and the girls' relationship is the best thing in the play.

This production is directed with verve by Sylvia Gatril, who also plays Sue's horrendous mother to good effect.

There is splendid support from Andy Abrahams as her loud and stupid husband and Amelia Stephens as Michelle - Bob's understandably suspicious wife.

Personally, I enjoyed the film more, but other people were saying exactly the opposite as we left. Alan Calvert

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