POOR Mavis has a lot on her plate.

Her dance class, whose members are far from blessed when it comes to executing the most basic routines, get the opportunity to swap their unglamorous base for a real stage.

Will they be able to rise to the challenge and seize their moment in the spotlight? Mavis, their teacher is nothing if not determined.

So we have Stepping Out, Altrincham Garrick's next production, directed by Steph Niland.

Her love of Richard Harris's warm and touching comedy stretches back many years when she watched one of the Garrick's finest actor/directors, the late Terry Chandler, working on his production.

She said: "I have loved this play since I shadowed Terry Chandler when he directed our last interpretation of it many years ago. So to be given the chance to direct it myself was an opportunity I was very grateful for. I remember enjoying watching Terry working on naturalism, comedy and character work with actors and have thoroughly enjoyed helping to establish them this time round."

The characters all have a story to tell, a reason why the attend the class and for Steph that's one of the reasons why it is so appealing.

Geoffrey, lovably awkward, is the solitary male in the group.

She said: "I think it is one of those plays that people enjoy watching because they can identify with a character or they know someone who can.

"On the surface it is a delightful comedy but all the characters have hidden depths, nothing profound but they are real people facing real struggles and the tap class they attend each week becomes therapy of a sort. There is also the underdog element. People like to see people “having a go” and surprising themselves."

* Altrincham Garrick presents Stepping Out by Richard Harris from April 27 to May 2 at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677.