YOU can hear a pin drop during Leslie Sands’ Something to Hide at Altrincham Little Theatre as the audience follow the intrigue in his 1950’s thriller.

The sinister background piano music fascinates me. Then I discover that lighting and sound engineer, Jack Richardson, has not only composed it, but is also playing it live on a keyboard. Wonderful stuff.

The play centres on Howard, a devious husband and writer, who deceives his wealthy publisher wife about an affair with Julie (Hannah Davies) who is pregnant.

Karen accidentally runs down Julie in her car without knowing of this relationship. Howard volunteers to dispose of the body to prevent Karen being charged with manslaughter. Kathryn Fennell expertly portrays Karen’s hysteria. No-one could better her performance as she falls into Howard’s trap

One reperecussion is the appearance of an unusual police officer whose sharpness of mind contrasts with his love of pipe smoking and alcohol. Mark Edgar as Inspector Davies cleverly indicates this. He’s a bright cookie and his Geordie accent and unconscious humour add to his charm.

Chris Burton’s Howard often uses body language to tell us what he is up to and why

It is Ann Robinson’s nosy neighbour, Miss Cunningham who kick starts the unravelling of the plot. Ann’s exaggerated style brings some necessary lightness to the proceedings.

A successful directing debut for Lisa Barker – and you’ll never guess the ending.

• Until November 22. For tickets, call 0161 928 1113 or see alttheatre.org.

Star rating: * * * *