Dear Octopus, St Joseph's Players, Leigh. Runs until Friday. TO the majority of people Dodie Smith is the author of that well-loved children's story which was immortalised by Disney -Z101 Dalmations.

However last night St Joseph's Players performed her lesser-known genteel comedy of manners,ZDear Octopus,Zdirected by long-time society member Doreen Johnson.

It tells the story of a family who gather at their country home to celebrate the golden wedding of their mother and father, Charles and Dora Randolph, well played by John Brian Griffin and Joan Doorey.

As the story unfolds we discover skeletons which have been lying dormant in cupboards over the years slowly come to life. Dark and mysterious pasts of the more secretive family members eventually come out into the open.

The main characters develop wonderfully throughout, especially the tortured daughter Cynthia - marvellously portrayed by Linda Sargent, as do the Randolph's two other daughters - the neurotic Hilda (Pauline Dobbs), the dotty, easy-going Margery (Linda Sargent) and their son Nicholas (David Dunlop).

Credit must also go to the scenery department who produced quite remarkable stage settings which were warmly acknowledged by the audience and the costume department must have worked overtime as the ladies' gowns were quite exquisite. LINDA HURST

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