ALTREINCHAM Little Theatre’s first play of the season, the Alan Ayckbourn comedy, How the Other Half Loves, illustrates well the saying - oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.

The action takes place in the downstairs rooms of Frank and Fiona Foster and Bob and Theresa Phillips which sometimes overlap. Well done set designer and scenic artist Polina Sparks.

In his role of director, Peter Nawn ensures perfect movements from his cast who always make it clear whose house they are in.

But that’s not all. Peter is the saviour of the show.With just two weeks notice, he plays Frank Foster without a single prompt. Charismatically, he paints a picture of a man not bright enough to realise his wife is having an adulterous relationship and seems more interested in a faulty electric toothbrush.

But it’s not just his wife whose at it. One half of two other couples is either having an affair or is suspected of doing so – hence my opening quote.

Thanks to the skill of all six actors, the audience titter throughout.

Not only is the cast’s timing superb but every word conveys meaning with perfect pausing.

Double entendres are delivered with the necessary punch and pause, prompting appropriate facial reactions.

The dinner party scene in the first act where both couples entertain the Featherstones, is the highlight not only of Alan Ayckbourn’s genius but the genius of an exceptional group of actors

* Tickets are available from 0161 928 1113 or email ct.tickets@gmail.com, Star rating: * * * *