THE situation in Bolton's amateur theatre scene is nothing short of farcical this week.

While members of The Halliwell Theatre Group are asking audiences to Pull The Other One, the cast at Phoenix are advising them to Kindly Keep It Covered.

Both plays are fast and furious farces guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to the gloomy Bolton skyline.

Halliwell Theatre Group's production of Pull The Other One is by Norman Robbins.

Albert (Phil Ward), is blessed with a loving wife Muriel (Susan Mitchell) and cursed with a fearsome mother-in-law, Boadicea (Marjorie Holder). When his friend writes to him reminiscing about the good times they used to have, Boadicea reads the letter and determines to remove her daughter from the clutches of this evil sex fiend. Albert has a hard time explaining the letter is not what it seems. and neither is Hilary. However, he is not helped when Hilary turns up, wearing a blonde wig and glamorous dress. By the time she manages to explain he has come straight from doing his drag act at the local pub, it is too late.

The play is at Halliwell Methodist Church Hall, Harvey Street, Bolton, until Saturday. Tickets, £5 (concessions £3, some nights), are from 597055 or 847878.

Phoenix Theatre Company's offering is Kindly Keep It Covered by Dave Freeman. Roland Dickerby runs a health farm with his wife Julia, bought with the proceeds of a hefty insurance payout on the demise of her first husband, the charming rogue Sidney. But life is not easy for Roland and fate has something extra special in store for him when Sidney resurrects himself and turns up at the farm.

The play runs until Saturday, 7.30pm, at the United Reform Church Hall, Chorley Old Road. Tickets £5 (concessions £4 some nights), are from 696381.