At the start of its 70th year, huge credit must go to Dereham Theatre Company for taking on the challenging Passionate Woman for its spring play.

With just four roles, a huge amount of narrative and a short rehearsal time, it was a daunting prospect.

But the cast excelled in bringing to life the stage version of Kay Mellor's true story of doting mother Betty who finds it hard to accept losing her beloved son and

on his wedding day relives the passionate affair she had in her youth.

Karen Bates brilliantly played the demanding lead role, with terrific support from Paul Ellingford (Mark), Pawel Jelenski (Craze) and Andy Lofthouse (Donald).

The disappointment was the size of the opening night audience of the moving and at times comical production. The society deserves more support from the town.

*The play continues on Friday and Saturday, 7.30pm. Tickets on the door or via www.derehamtheatre.co.uk.