RAY Cooney's infectious humour will be enjoyed at Bolton Little Theatre next week as it presents the hilarious farce Funny Money.

The convoluted plot sees unassuming accountant Henry Perkins pick up the wrong on his way home — only to discover it contains £735,000 in used £50 notes. Realising it is probably the ill gotten gains of an illegal enterprise he suggests to his wife that they could just "disappear" with the money.

Enter two policemen investigating two different incidents — followed by the actual owner of the briefcase — and cue the makings of one of the funniest farces to have graced a Bolton stage.

Society Chairman and "Bolton Baker" David Smart — no stranger to comedy, or directing, but surprisingly directing his first play at the theatre — takes the reins for this the final production of the season.

"I’ve always enjoyed making people laugh," he said, "If you can do that you’re lightening people’s lives a little — and a good farce is perhaps the best way to do it."

Society regular Peter Scofield takes the lead role of Henry Perkins with Alison Whittaker as his wife Jean.

Alison said: "I’ve performed in quite a few farces now, both at BLT and in other theatres, and I have to say this one is probably the one that had me laughing myself at the plot twists and turns. There’s never a dull moment on the stage!"

Jason Dunk plays Vic Johnson, a friend of the Perkinses’.

"It’s been great working with such an experienced cast,” he said, "we’ve been very fortunate really— everyone just bounces off each other. It’s been an absolute treat."

David added:"Farce is one of the hardest genres to get right.

"The actors have to be disciplined and well directed to extract every bit of comedy out of the written word on the page — but when it comes together, as it has for us, it’s absolutely priceless."

Next season’s line up of plays are a varied selection again from riotous comedies such as Nell Gwynn and For Love Or Money to some great dramas including The Dresser, These Shining Lives and the WW1 set Private Peaceful and the gentler humour of Ladies In Lavender and Spring And Port Wine and not forgetting our panto Dick Whittington – there really is something for everyone. See the website for further details.

Funny Money runs from Monday, June 18t – Saturday, June 23 at 7.30.

Call the box office on 01204 524469 or book on line via the BLT website www.boltonlittletheatre.co.uk