Caught in the Net

Phoenix Theatre Company, Chorley Old Road Community Hall

Until Saturday

THIS production of Ray Cooney’s farcical sequel to his hugely successful Run for You Wife had the first night audience at first tittering and then later guffawing with laughter.

Director Ben Latham has given us many fine comic moments, keeping the pace moving throughout and the physical slapstick humour is particularly impressive.

James Abercrombie leads the way with considerable aplomb as bigamist taxi driver John Smith — a fine, energetic and confident performance with an amusing range of facial expressions and some physical moves bordering on acrobatics.

He is ably supported by his two wives — Joy Plows and Christine Morton — supplying comic timing and voluptuousness in equal measure, and Kev Walsh as his hapless lodger and best mate Stanley.

There are very promising performances from David Beeby and Jessica Barlow as John’s teenage children — their opening dialogue with the two mothers timed to perfection, and their subsequent appearances in the show delivered with confidence and in character. The introduction of Phil Ward in the second act as Stanley’s dotty dad — in a show-stealing performance — adds to the fun.

Technically the show is excellent, with well-timed sound effects, suitable props and an impressive colour-themed set.

Runs until Saturday.

Peter Haslam