WHAT a wonderful alternative to run-of-the-mill panto! Although the Club Theatre doesn't usually put on a pantomime at Christmas, they usually do a Christmas' show - something like The Snow Queen or Scrooge. However, this year audiences are being treated to the hilarious, bawdy, festive comedy by Mike Harding, Comfort and Joy.

I had such a great time on Tuesday and believe me, I really did need a laugh, the full blown winter blues having set in for one reason or another. I came out of the show, feeling festive, chirpy and smiling from ear to ear!

Comfort and Joy is set over a few days at Christmas and is centred on a family reunion, which typically will not quite go to plan. Margaret Duggan does her best to create a real family occasion surrounded by her brash Irish husband, Martin, Uncle Goff who is about to be reunited with his daughter and her husband for the first time in 30 years and her daughters, salt-of-the-earth, teacher Helen and arty, irritatingly cool' (or thinks she is) Kathie who has brought a rather posh friend to visit from London.

Encounters with alien enthusiast neighbours and off stage carol singers all help to make this show anything but a static comedy-drama and with hilarious dialogue yet completely real' characters in the most part, this is a most pleasurable show.

Mike Harding is well known for his rather risqu comedies and at times Comfort and Joy is somewhat blue with a spattering of language. However, this is by no means a criticism. I am sure one or two of the older members of the audience were slightly shocked by these moments and it was certainly more of the younger members who laughed heartily on occasion, but it is refreshing to see one of our local theatre groups put on such a play without fear of offence. It isn't rude, it's simply real, but there is often too much censorship these days and I for one am more than glad there wasn't here.

Praise must also be laid on thick to director Terry Hollinshead, for this was his first directorial role at The Club. And what a fantastic job he made of it. There were a number of scenes where there was just so much going on yet Terry made it look like slick, organised chaos - organised from a theatrical point of view that is - the characters themselves (and this is credit to the cast) were truly there in the moment!

Although I was impressed with every member of the cast, special mentions must go to both Peter Nawn as Martin and Fred Yeomans as Goff. I could not fault these performances for their authenticity and wonderful comic timing. These are the perfect real' characters that Mike Harding has a real talent for writing but it takes an accomplished actor to translate this to the stage. Dave Black must also be praised for two hilarious cameo roles. He is a new member of the Club Theatre I am told and if this is a taste of things to come, we must keep an eye on him - he is a very talented comedy actor indeed.

Comfort and Joy makes for a great, fun night out in the run up to Christmas, make sure you don't miss it.

* Until Saturday, December 9 at the Club Theatre, Oxford Road, Altrincham. For tickets call 0161 928 1113.