MANY years ago I interviewed someone about being involved in the amateur arts scene and asked him what he enjoyed about his involvement in it.

He said it brings together people from all walks of life, with all sorts of experiences and nowhere is this more apparent than in Stepping Out, Altrincham Garrick's penultimate show of the current season.

Take a group of dancers with very different personalities and you have the recipe for fun and friction. But Richard Harris's heart warming comedy isn't just the 'laugh at the hopeless hoofers show.'

All the class members, including teacher Mavis, have a story to tell, most of which tug at the heart strings. While Stepping Out falls into the feel good category the real world, with all its trials and tribulations, does have the audacity to intrude on occasions.

Director Steph Niland obviously has a deep-seated affection for the show and this is there for all to see in this highly watchable production. Ros Greenwood is perfect for the role of Andy, mousy and quiveringly unsure of herself, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who sat there willing Andy to get together with Geoffrey, the class's solitary male. There's a touching chemistry between Ros and Kevin Proctor, who plays this lovable doormat quite brilliantly.

Christine Perry is also very funny as the little Hitler of a pianist Mrs Fraser, a woman you cross at your peril. You'll certainly find yourself rooting for Mavis (Laura Chandler), the tap dancing teacher charged with the unenviable task of making her charges fit for a performance on a real stage.

If I have a criticism it's that Stepping Out is 15 minutes too long but you're sure to leave the Garrick with your spirits well and truly raised.

* Until May 2. The box office is on 0161 928 1677. Star rating - ***