ALISON CROOSE The West Acre team have proved themselves master interpreters of Alan Ayckbourn's work in previous productions, so optimistic anticipation of their latest show was fully justified.

ALISON CROOSE

The West Acre team have proved themselves master interpreters of Alan Ayckbourn's work in previous productions, so optimistic anticipation of their latest show, Bedroom Farce, was fully justified.

There was not a jot of disappointment for Ayckbourn's cleverly-crafted play was accorded just treatment by a strong cast in the best West Acre tradition.

The performance space was transformed into three bedrooms which, in turn, were the focal point of plenty of action.

It worked thanks to split-second timing of lighting effects. All credit to Andy Naylor who designed and directed, and captured the Ayckbourn spirit with his portrayal of Ernest.

The culprits of the chaos are Trevor (Richard Morgan) and Susannah (Sarah Krill), the couple whose marital problems wreak havoc on the lives of their family and friends. Trevor's parents, Andy Naylor and Leah Spencer, face midnight disturbances while Kate and Malcolm (Issy Huckle and Mike Breen) have their house-warming party ruined by the hapless pair. Repercussions spread to the home of Jan (Vanessa Dupont) and her husband, Nick (Robert Dale), whose performance was especially effective from his sick-bed.

All the cast were convincing, capturing the humour of their roles as the play built up to a hilarious conclusion.