The Beauty Queen of Leenane - Lauriston Studio at Altrincham Garrick

THE plot of The Beauty Queen of Leenane will strike a chord with far, far too many people.

A 40 year old spinster has been forced to put her life, including her love life, on hold for more years than she’d care to remember to be at the beck and call of her mother, a woman constantly criticising her daughter’s unwavering devotion.

But supposing she had the chance to escape?

Director Mark Goggins has spent decades entertaining theatregoers in these parts with his top class and hugely memorable productions of musicals and he’s just as adept when it comes to straight plays as anyone lucky enough to have tickets for this will testify.

At the time of writing only a few tickets remained for a play that is both warmly funny and in certain parts, deeply disturbing. Let’s face it, nobody tells a tale quite like an Irishman and that gift is certainly part of Martin McDonagh’’s DNA.

Under Goggins’ accomplished direction, the performances are strong and very natural, with Kathryn Worthington have to do very little to win our sympathy as the poor put upon Maureen and Sarah Kirk suitably horrendous as her mother, Mag. Think Hitler in a pinny.

Timmie Lee Murphy and Ryan Jay are also really good value as Ray and Pato Dooley.

I was delighted to hear The Beauty Queen of Leenane attracted the audiences theatre this good richly deserves, even if the play sometimes does depict the ugly side of human nature.

Until Occtober 6. Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Star rating - 4.5 out of 5.

Photo - Martin Ogden.