BOLTON's rich theatrical tapestry has unforgiving drama and unrestrained escapism.

Of the latter, there can be few better examples than Lerner and Loewe's Brigadoon. The story of a romance that blossoms between a lost New Yorker and a girl from a Scottish village which only appears for one day every hundred years is a romantic treasure. Nora Howcroft's production, with musical direction by Marjorie Hough and choreography by Barbara Martin, gives us a world as enchanting as we hoped it would be.

As the two lovers, Adrienne Wormald (Fiona) and David Reeves (Tommy) are marvellous, as are Clive Green as Charlie and Helen Popplewell as Jean.

Mike Taylor as Tommy's friend Jeff is a lovely comic portrait in New York acidity, and Paul Hancox's embittered Harry is a nice counterpoint that demonstrates that no idyll is quite as it appears.

A fantastic, barnstorming Meg Brockie is created by Kathy Turton and there is lyrical, soulful expression in the dances of Shirley Ann Hill.

There is fine support from Don Fairclough, David Witt and Bill Steel, as well as superb backing from the chorus of townsfolk.

Bursting with life, colour, romance and music, this is one Brigadoon that REALLY comes to life. See it while you can.

Nigel McFarlane

Brigadoon, Walmsley Church AODS, The Parish Hall, Walmsley. Until November 15