THE HALF a dozen people sat next to me at Altrincham Garrick's performance of Follies (right) didn't return for act two.

This led me to the conclusion that some people don't know a good thing when they see it.

Sondheim's show may have been as slushy and escapist as a romantic novel but in these gloomy times, a little escapism isn't a bad thing.

A doomed theatre was the setting for a reunion of entertainers from the old school. Former showgirl Sally is still holding a candle for the unhappy Ben, even though she's married to Buddy.

But it was a stagnant union and Buddy's high flying values simply left her cold. As the party progressed, Sally and Ben become entwined in each oth-er's arms.

It's essential when performing Sondheim that you have a strong cast and if Anne Robinson was in the audience, she'd be hard pressed to find the "weakest link" here.

Another huge selling point of this production was Susan Spavin's choreography that certainly wouldn't look out of place on the professional stage.