Marco Players, Lost in Yonkers, Chorley Old Road Methodist Community Church, Runs until Saturday

LOST in Yonkers is typical of its writer, Neil Simon -- warm, funny, but also heartrending.

It is set in New York and also typical of Simon displays a variety of quirky, eccentric, but damaged personalities.

But all too often the depth in Simon's writing can be lost on stage by actors caught up in getting the broad Bronx accent right, or exaggerating the humorous quirks of individual characters.

This was not so last night. This was a wonderful, warm and moving production of a terrific play.

But what made this achievement even more impressive was the fact that the two main characters around who all the action takes place were two youngsters, George Critchley and Daniel Whitehead. The pair played Jay and Arty respectively and gave wonderful performances that really did belie their young ages. Not only word perfect -- an achievement in itself -- but the boys brought a real depth to their characters. They were terrific.

Around them buzzed a selection of colourful characters, each carrying their own emotional baggage.

The story follows Jay and Arty, forced to stay at the home of their formidable grandmother while their father, Eddie, very well played by John O'Connell, has to travel away from home to earn money.

Enter Renee Easterbrook, as the intimidating Grandma Kurnitz, whose own personal tragedies have turned her into a cold bullying old woman. The affect on her children has left behind a series of damaged characters -- the boy's father Eddie who has no self esteem, their Aunt Gert left with a strange speech impediment, their Uncle Louie a small time gangster, and their Aunt Bella, who has the mentality of a child.

Jason Crompton was excellent as the menacing Uncle Louie, while Natalie Kirkbright's performance as Aunt Bella was terrifically moving, displaying a variety of impressive subtle observations in her behaviour and mannerisms.

The play is set in the round which heightens the intensity and intimacy felt throughout this emotionally charged piece. Once again Marco Players have produced an impressive piece of drama which would not have been out of place on the professional stage.

Beverly Greenberg