Move Over Mrs Markham - Altrincham Little Theatre

WITH their cardboard cut out characters and over the top sauciness, many farces leave me cold.

Move Over Mrs Markham, however, breaks the mould. The characters are strong and engaging and writers Ray Cooney and John Chapman treat the audience like they have something between their ears. Yes, the saucy bits have been left in but it's a light shower rather than a deluge.

Watching the play made me wonder why Jane Newman isn't on a professional stage. As Joanna Markham, a woman trapped in a marriage that has lost its sparkle, she is outstanding. Her timing is exemplary as she's accused of have extra marital fun by her dull as dishwater husband, Philip (Ian Butterfield). There's a great chemistry between these two, something that is replicated throughout the entire cast. Altrincham Little Theatre is certain to leave audiences laughing, with its final play of the current season.

Being a farce requires those on stage to jump to conclusions and the results here are invariably hilarious. Especially the scene involving the hilariously pretentious interior designer Alistair Spenlow (Graham Makepeace-Warne) and the clueless Philip. Rani Jackson is also very funny as the hopelessly full on Linda Lodge.

I don't want to give anything away, just make sure you don't miss this perfectly laughter fest, for me the best production Garth Jones has ever directed. Enjoy - I know I did.

* Until May 21. The box office is on 0161 928 1113. Star rating - ****