WHAT would you do if you were newly married to a second wife after believing yourself to be a widower and your original spouse turns up?

This is the dilemma facing Pete in Derek Benfield’s comedy, First Things First, Canterbury Players’ latest production.

Damian McHugh is outstanding as the perplexed Pete. He is a master of the art of reaction. His face, body language and voice reacts with astonishment to everything that is thrown at him. In my view, he is the lynchpin for the chaotic action which dominates this well constructed and well-timed play.

Pete tries to get out of what become increasingly desperate situations, wriggling around uncomfortably when telling lies. He is helped by George, his best friend and best man at both his weddings, played by another leading light, Colin Ludden.

I love the way Colin’s George pauses after each disastrous occurrence and in a split second silently conveys his latest far-fetched course of action before coming out with it in words.

To add to the complications, Pete’s second mother-in-law, Margo, arrives. Mags Johnston turns up when least wanted. She really is the mother-in-law from hell.

And then first wife, Jessica, appears.

The two women aren’t given a chance to discover what has happened because Pete and George spend their time devising explanations.

Those who play the wives respond well to their unusual circumstances. Vicky Foreshaw as wife number one, Jessica, is perplexed by the goings on when she returns home.

His second wife, Sarah, played by Jennifer Coupe, is more naïve. The penny doesn’t drop that Jessica is also Pete’s wife. Yet she is cunning enough to invent a sprained ankle, the cause of much hilarity.

A stranger arrives near the end to upset the apple cart. He is Rex Mears’ Alan whose presence ultimately leads to the happy ending.

This is a first for new stage manager, April Johnson. She shows good understanding of both the technical and artistic elements of the play.

A fun night out which deserves and gets many laughs.

* At the Methodist Church, Brook Road, Urmston, until November 15. For tickets, call 0161 748 8403 or email alan.judith@talktalk.net. Star rating: * * * *