SU POLLARD transforms from a dippy housewife to a manic medium in this very silly, but well received, comedy.

It's one year to the day since Ellen (Sue Pollard) lost her sister Betty and the family decide to hold a sance to fulfil her deathbed wish. After lots of rather naff special effects - flashing lights and spinning picture frames - they finally reach "the other side" - but rather than make contact with Betty, a host of other spirits arrive to stir up trouble. Then all the family's real ghosts start tumbling out of the cupboard... Who is mystery ice cream man? What secrets are Ellen and Auntie Audrey hiding? What surprise messages from the grave are still buried in the house?

The plot and script of A Happy Medium are a little mediocre. The jokes are well worn and the ending seems to come from nowhere. Despite the huge family revelations no one seems very concerned. But the audience loves Su, who was applauded the moment she stepped on stage. She played the same character she almost always plays and they weren't disappointed. Hilarious facial expressions, manic body language and a confused, almost hysterical personality turned her into a very funny, menopausal Mystic Meg character. This, plus her surprise musical number, brought more than a few laughs to the crowd.

Runs until Saturday. Box Office: (01642) 552663

Published: 25/03/2004