Up and Coming - Altrincham Garrick

DAVID Beddy is a highly accomplished actor whose equally at home with both serious and comedic roles, and his portrayal of ambitious politician Philip Conway is a delight from start to finish.

Pip as he's more affectionately known, has one eye on the to job. But he lacks the sort of ruthlessness that keeps the character eminently likeable in Eric Chappell's briliantly observed political comedy/farce. You get the distinct impression Pip's plans could unravel at any moment, which makes it impossible not to warm to an MP who is anything but a natural born orator.

Give Beddy the chance to work alongside Martin Oldfield as Pip's personal bodyguard Higgs, a fully paid up member of the call it as he sees it brigade and Joanne Buxton as the seductive Vicky and you have the recipe for pure comedy gold. When it comes to Oldfield I firmly believe he doesn't have a bad performance in him and Joanne Buxton as Vicky expertly assumes a variety of different personas as she sweeps into Pip's hotel room.

Who can forget Mark Edgar-Clarkson as Lionel Berryman MP, a serial lush with a very dubious sense of morality.

Like me you probably know Eric Chappell more for his brilliant 70's sitcom Rising Damp featuring that giant of British comedy, Leonard Rossitter. But Mark Jephcott's perfectly paced production has certainly whetted my appetite when it comes to seeing more of his plays. Great fun - just what we need on these freezing late winter nights.

* Until March 3. The box office is on 0161 928 1677. Star rating - ****