AWARD-winning Teesside writer and director Gordon Steel has hit the back of the net once again with this hilarious, bitter-sweet drama.

Set against a backdrop of Sunday league football, Studs is authentic working-class Teesside through and through - from the raw accents and Netto carrier bags down to the passion for football.

The Eston Bank Hotel players are desperately trying to win the county cup while battling a mixture of heavy hangovers, turbulent love lives and the council - who want to close the club down. There's Mac (Christopher Connel), a womanising thug who delights in telling everyone how he's "not called top scorer for nowt", his nervous team mate Tommo (Graham Martin) and their girlfriends Kylie (Danielle Williams) and Mandy (Laura Lonsdale). Ronnie House (Robert Hudson) is the team manager whose passion for the game is infectious. All the characters are excellently portrayed, though my favourite was Robert Hudson's pedantic ref Roy, who's mannerisms were just inspired.

It often feels as if Gordon Steel puts a lot of himself into his plays and this is no exception. The reminiscences Ronnie has of his dad, and his desire to respect his memory, are one of the more moving aspects of the production.

You don't have to be a big football fan, a theatre lover or even a Teessider to enjoy this play. It was a sell out when toured by Hull Truck, so don't miss the chance to see it on home turf for the first time. Simply one of the most enjoyable, funny productions I've seen for some time.

* Runs until Saturday. Box Office: (01642) 525199

Published: 03/06/2004