Ian Dickens Productions have an excellent reputation with Civic audiences, and this version of Daphne du Maurier's play is well up to their usual standard.

Set in du Maurier's beloved Cornwall, the plot revolves around glamorous Stella Martyn, her daughter Cherry and son-in-law Evan. Stella invites the newly-married couple to her home and the visit develops into an extended stay. One stormy night Cherry is stranded away from home and Evan confesses to Stella that he's been harbouring passionate feelings for her, which she reciprocates.

The play was written in 1948 so a veil is drawn over what goes on that night, although both parties are in their respective bedrooms by the time the cheery domestic Mrs Tucket arrives in the morning. There are a lot of torrid glances though, once Cherry returns. Stella decides the only way out of the situation is to marry nice-but-dull long-time suitor Robert, and the loudest protestor against this plan is Cherry, unaware of her precarious position.

With experienced actors like David Griffin as Robert and Kate O'Mara as Stella, there's no problem in switching from the light-hearted banter of the first half to the steamy melodrama of the second. Kim Tiddy is convincing as the infuriating child-woman Cherry, and Edward Baker-Duly as over-emotional artist Evan takes the character's mood swings in his stride.

It's an old-fashioned play I suppose; adulterous yearnings no longer shock audiences as they once did. But it's a pleasure to watch this cast work with it.

Until Saturday March 3.

Box Office 01325-486555

Sue Heath