Beginning - Royal Exchange Theatre

Perfect combination - Gerard Kearns as Danny and Erin Shanagher as Laura

I CAN’T remember the last time I laughed so loud in a theatre.

But behind the laughter lies more serious themes in Beginning, from a fear of loneliness to the pain of being estranged from your own flesh and blood to a burning desire for marital bliss.

However, David Eldridge’s beautifully crafted piece is anything but a whine fest, thanks to a superb script that contains just the right amount of the serious stuff.

There must be something in the water in Oldham, a town that’s produced a number of fine and very watchable actors over the years, including Sarah Lancashire. You can add Gerard Kearns to that list.

Kearns plays Danny, the last guest to leave a party held by Laura at her flat in trendy Didsbury. He and Erin Shanagher treat us to a masterclass in comic timing as Laura flirts with her socially awkward guest, with Kearns looking like a rabbit caught in headlights as things start getting a little too serious in his wary eyes.

Some of Kearns’ facial expressions are priceless.

Both actors bring their characters so engagingly to life you’ll find yourself aching for a happy ending. This is a romantic comedy withoutt slushy stuff. Danny and Laura are both vulnerable in different ways even if Laura hides behind a vivacious veneer when we first meet her.

Director Bryony Shanahan and the two strong cast serve up a production that’s a treat from beginning to end and while it’s obvious Danny and Laura are living proof of that old saying opposites attract, Eldridge keeps the audience guessing as to whether their post party relationship will evolve into something more.

I loved this. Make sure you don’t miss the best production at the RET this season so far.

Until March 11. The box office is on 0161 833 9833 or www.royalexchange.co.uk.

Star rating - ****

Photo - Helen Murray