STRAP yourself in for two hours of saucy fun at Altrincham Little Theatre for Not Now Darling, the company's final play of the current season.
You can also enjoy a comedy masterclass from Gary Woodhall who plays Arnold Crouch, trying to get his head around the extra marital shenanigans of his business partner Gilbert Bodley (Charlie Cook), a man who scoffs at conventional morality.
Some of Woodhall's facial expressions are particularly priceless, as the smart London boutique he runs with Bodley becomes a setting for events so wonderfully weird you'd only find them in a farce.
The script has its weaknesses but is, in general, laugh out loud funny and the cast's timing, thanks to Michael Russell's direction, is exemplary. Russell has a natural gift for comedy and his affection for it rubs off on every cast he takes charge of.
Set designers rarely get a mention but Steve Smith and Barry Swithenbank have done a fine job here, creating a colourful backdrop that is very pleasing on the eye.
Other notable performances come from Graham Makepeace Warne as Harry McMichael, the fearsome hubby of Bodley's mistress Jamie (Kathryn Fennel), a woman who definitely knows exactly what she wants and will go to any lengths to get it.
Not Now Darling was very well received on Monday night and I can see why the amateur groups like this popular form of theatre. However, I'd like to see ALT cast it's net a little wider next season if they plan to pick a comedy. With a director as gifted as Michael Russell and actors as talented as Woodhall and company, the prospect is a very exciting one.
* Until May 23. The box office is on 0161 928 1113. Star rating - ****
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