Usually invoked as a comforter it was an accurate prediction for Rustington Players who stumbled through an uneasy "dress" to burst through with a wildly successful first night.

They went on to wow the audiences with their production of Alan Ayckbourn's Living Together.

This very funny play is one of three, The Norman Conquests, centering on plans by Norman for an illicit weekend in East Grinstead, with his sister-in-law, Annie.

The play starts with Reg's preoccupation with his latest invention, a board game, and ends with another sister-in-law, Sarah's, preoccupation with Norman.

Jan Bryant, Ian Haynes and Maureen Haynes returned as Annie, Reg and Ruth (Rustington Players performed Round and Round the Garden in March 2004) and we were introduced to two new members, Paul Jones as Norman, whose ambition in life is to make everyone happy, and David Griffin, as Tom, ever in waiting for Annie's affections.

Under the sure direction of Pennie Billinghurst, the action was nicely balanced with excellent comic timing and assurance from Norman and a slightly ponderous, reliable Tom. Louise Young's nicely calculated portrayal of Sarah, the sister-in-law, alternated frosty demands for proper behaviour with hysteria.

Reg's board game features in a hugely funny scene when it is played out against a drunken phone call by Norman to his wife. Domestic discord really takes off with Ruth's arrival in Act 2 and an intriguing change in Sarah's attitude to Norman.

Perfectly judged lighting is often appreciated only subconsciously, which is how it should be and was never better than in the illumination of an infamous scene on the rug. A solidly believable set was enhanced by birdsong and noises-off, including the family cat, stuck up a tree throughout.

-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to leisure.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.uk