Rita, Sue and Bob Too

Octagon Theatre

Andrea Dunbar's play about a sleazy married man who has an affair with two schoolgirls at the same time, set against the backdrop of a poor, working class housing estate in Bradford in Margaret Thatcher's Britain, is as much of a rude, raucous riot today as it was when it was written 35 years ago.

What has changed is how audiences in 2017 might view the story of Bob (James Atherton), a serial adulterer who has no qualms about cheating on his long-suffering wife Michelle with two 15-year-old girls - Sue and Rita (Gemma Dobson and Taj Atwal).

It is hard to watch the play without bringing to mind the dozens of child sex scandals that have come to light in the past few years and the grooming of children.

There is no doubt that the girls are Bob's victims, but crucially they never see themselves in that way.

To them, their behaviour is just a way of life, as natural as going to the cinema with friends might be for other teenagers. They know no better.

The harsh reality is that there were - and still are - teenagers brought up in abusive families who all too readily fall for anyone who will show them some 'love', however twisted that is. It is terribly sad, but it happens and this was a brave play to write three decades ago and a bold choice to stage now.

Putting aside the complex moral maze, Rita, Sue and Bob Too  is superbly written, with razor sharp and authentically sweary (and trust me, this is Game of Thrones calibre cursing) dialogue and it is as funny now as it was all those years ago.

The sex scenes - fairly explicit, but as unerotic and hilarious as you could imagine - are expertly played by former Hollyoaks actor Atherton and Dobson and Atwal.

The message loud and clear is that just about the only people who blame Bob for the consequences of his actions are the members of the audience. Everyone else, his wife, Sue's foul-mouthed parents (an excellent Sally Bankes and David Walker) blame the girls. They are 'sluts', giving themselves to Bob on a plate, as one character says.

A fondly remembered big screen version was made in 1987 and it is often cited as a favourite film of those who were twenty somethings in the eighties.

Hits of that era from the likes of Human League, The Jam, Blondie and David Bowie help to drive the narrative and evoke a nostalgic feel.

Basically, it's good, dirty fun. There are still a few seats available, so if you're not easily shocked this might be the just the ticket.

Runs until Sepetmber 21.