DUNHAM THESPIANS prove to be masters of farce with their production of Derek Benfield’s Bedside Manners.

The central figure is Ferris who is managing his sister’s seedy hotel. Much to his chagrin, he finds himself having to keep two couples apart. For the husband of one pair is sharing a bed with the wife of the other and vice versa.

So all is set for a saucy comedy. Two beds plus seven doors incorporated in a two bedroom set, make for much running around.

Needless to say, most of the prancing about comes from Ferris. I don’t know how old Martin Clare, who plays the effeminate manager, is, but he has the energy of a 15 year old.

Ferris’s funny lines come fast and furious as he intrudes with perfect timing on the couples in question. Timing and expression are what farce is all about and the Thespians are perfect in both respects.

The other cast members interact well with him and set him going like a spinning top especially when giving him the odd backhander to lie for them.

The men, both “Mr Smiths” are the rather suave Roger (Chris Matthews) and the somewhat clumsy Geoff (Richard Hankinson). There are some interesting revelations in the underpants department, too.

Their girlfriends are Sally and Helen respectively and each is the wife of the other man. Sally-Marianne Hatton’s Sally gets dippier the more G & Ts she downs. Helen, played by Rachael Gallagher, uses chocolates as her pick-me-up. After donning sunglasses as a disguise, she struggles to see.

Bill Craig, who directs it well, says that the job was his only way of keeping his trousers on and his dignity intact.

* At Dunham Massey Village Hall until November 29. For tickets, call 07942 823 600 or visit dunhamthespians.org.uk. Star rating: * * * * *