Love on the Dole, Oldham Coliseum. Runs until May 11. DIRECTOR Ian Jessup has painted a Lowryesque portrait in this damning condemnation of1930s industrial oppression.

Such was the potency of Walter Greenwood's picture of hardship in Salford's Hanky Park, West End theatre managers were too frightened to put the play on when it was first launched in 1934.

But it went on to be a massive hit after a Manchester company hired London's Garrick Theatre.

Today,ZLove on the DoleZis being staged by the Meridian Theatre Company and their production is currently touring the UK.

While much of the content of this piece is potentially highly depressing there are some extremely amusing moments in their presentation.

Sally Hardcastle, played by Tara Moran, is a young woman ahead of her time, fighting to hold together a family which is disintegrating as its menfolk - and her own fiance - are thrown out of work.

Moran has a beautifully light touch in her portrail of this toweringly brave woman.

There's not a bad performance in this play, but Alan Rothwell delivers an outstanding display as Harry Hardcastle, Sally's dad. Atmospheric lighting and music from a cellist and accordionist add to the haunting sense of foreboding which pervades the storyline, particularly when the jobless mass of men rise up in protest.

The set is also very well designed, allowing for swift and smooth scene changes.

The Coliseum is an extremely pleasant theatre to visit. It is of the traditional ilk, totally unpretentious with very good bar and cafe facilities. If you fancy a little of something different, it's well worth a jaunt down the M62. NICK JACKSON

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