A play by John Godber is always worth seeing and this production, although not as funny as others seen at Eye Theatre, is no exception.

A play by John Godber is always worth seeing and this production, although not as funny as others seen at Eye Theatre, is no exception.

The playwright's perception of human characteristics with all their frailties is evident throughout. The story concerns an elderly couple who visit their son in his Lake District retreat having not seen him for 15 years. The weekend turns out to be a disaster for parents Len and Joan, realising how far apart they have grown from Martin, who has parted from his wife and children. As the bickering and grumbling increase Martin's patience is exhausted until his mother suffers a suspected heart attack. The North Country family is not given to showing feelings, making the emotional scenes between father and son all the more poignant. Thomas Brent, as Martin, and Peter Sowerbutts, as Len, interact well – the latter, in particular, making the most of the comic moments. Brent is also hilarious in his brief transformation into the Spanish doctor. Maggie Sullivun is magnificent as the mother who reminisces about happy holidays in Benidorm, but as age and arthritis take their toll, never ceases complaining.

t The production, directed by Christiane Hille, runs until November 2. Box office: 01379 870519.