A WONDERFUL, heartwarming piece of theatre.

Bill Naughton's affectionate 1957 paean to the strength of family and its ability to overcome the social upheavals of the time, is brought brilliantly to life by director Alan Macpherson and a supremely talented cast.

Carolyn Haslam as Daisy Crompton is excellent as the tower of strength who is still fearful of her husbands impeccably high standards, while Emma Fox shows us a brilliantly forward thinking, level headed and loyal eldest daughter Florence.

Daniel Whitehead and Jason Crompton as brothers Wilf and Harold are by turns mischievous, rebellious and kind-hearted. Louise Davenport as fiery youngest daughter Hilda, who ignites the family crisis, was similarly sensitive, giving us a sympathetic youthquake that made us understand.

Martin Pearce as Florence's slightly upwardly mobile fianc Arthur concocted the perfect mixture of reticence and determination, and there is lovely support from Jacky Gill as wise, cynical neighbour Betsy Jane.

Again, Robin Thompson as patriarch Rafe was simply immense, skipping effortlessly between comedy and high drama. This is ensemble playing at its finest, and a sell-out audience lapped it up.