WHILE I wouldn’t dream of decrying light entertainment, for me live theatre is at its best when it puts you in someone else’s shoes.

Even if “wearing” them can, at times, be a decidely uncomfortable experience.

Imagine if you can, the pain of a parent whose child has gone missing for six long and tortuous months.

Lia finds herself in that situation in Enlightenment, Altrincham Garrick’s hauntingly compelling penultimate play of the season.

She’s clinging to her memories of her missing son, Adam, while on other occasions, grieving for somebody who could still be alive.

For me, this is Beverley Stuart-Cole’s best ever performance on the Garrick stage and, as the liberal Lia, she ennsures there’s no hiding place for the audience when it comes to Lia’s anguish.

Things get even more tense and complicated when Lia and her more measured husband Nick (Scott Ransome) take in the dangerously manipulative Adam. He bears a passing resemblance to their missing son, according to Lia, and comes armed with his personal effects.

Anthony Morris is quite outstanding as the cruel and vulnerable Adam and we never know if he had any dealings with Lia and Nick’s missing boy. Sheelagh Stevenson leaves it open ended in a play that will hold your attention in a vice-like grip from the start.

Enlightenment is difficult viewing at times but it is a long time since a play has affected me quite so deeply, due in no small part to director John Cunningham and a very, very good cast. Do not miss.

* Until April 27. The box office is on 0161 928 1677. Star rating - *****