THE Nonentities close their current season in style with this popular Terence Rattigan play, based on a true story.

It tells of a 13-year-old naval cadet who was expelled from college for stealing a postal order. The dogged fight to clear his son's name by his father creates problems for his family, causes him near financial ruin and contributes to his deteriorating health.

This is a superb production, extremely well casted.

Ben Kenyon is a delightful Ronnie, and Jo Widdowson is superb as his sister, Catherine. Pat Taft as Ronnie's mother, Richard Wharton as his feckless brother, Dickie, and David Wakeman as their solicitor, all play their roles well.

Stephen Wyer is exceptional as the barrister, appearing aloof and cold, but underneath being warm-hearted.

If one performance stands out, it is that of Atholl M'Donald as Arthur Winslow, portraying his strength of character and compassion, while his tunnel-vision towards "the case" makes him sometimes indifferent to the problems of his family.

This is a brilliant production of a superbly written play. VJS.