THIS is farce, nothing more and nothing less written by Michael Cooney who has managed to extract every ounce of confusion from the tale, in a comedy that slowly turns increasingly more ridiculous and bizarre but very funny.

The show centres around Eric Swan who has been defrauding the DSS for two years by claiming benefit for an army of fictitious lodgers, all of whom suffer from a variety of ailments for which they can claim, and who have extended families with similar ailments!

His wife Linda is oblivious to all this and as the play begins, Eric finds that it is all getting too complicated, but as he tries to extricate himself by killing off his make-believe tenants.

Eric's lodger Norman gets sucked into the deceit and then the DSS Inspector Mr Jenkins turns up to add to the confusion.

There's lies, then more lies, people getting knocked out, mistaken identities and cross dressing!

Carl Bottomley as Eric gives a great performance with good timing and equally as good was Brendan Higgins as Norman who really comes into his own with wonderful comic timing and facial expressions.

Carmela Horne as Eric’s wife Linda gave a good performance especially when she found out what her husband had been up to.

Joining the fun were Keith Brian as Uncle George, while Howard Clare plays benefit inspector Mr Jenkins with just the right amount of seriousness amidst the chaos.

Catherine Howard was wonderful as Doctor Chapman whilst Robert Peters was perfect for the supercilious undertaker Mr Forbright. Jenny Peters was good as Ms Cowper, the DSS inspector’s boss who had all the answers in the end. Eileen Powell was equally as good as Sally Chessington whilst Emma Powell gave good support as Brenda, Norman’s love interest.

Director Paul Cohen has created a great comedy here and with the chaos of our current climate, if this is your thing, and it did seem to be for most of the audience, then you will love each nuance, twist and turn.

Runs until tonight

Jason Crompton