Rating: four stars

COMBINING entertainment and drinking is a winner in anyone's book and that's before a company of Mouthpiece's calibre is brought into the equation.

Charmaine Russell's play is wicked and would bring a smile to the lips of the most sour-faced luvvie.

Add to that the impressive acting from the three-strong cast and the picturesque yet informal setting and it's the perfect recipe for success.

The show took place in a small function room rumoured to seat about 60 with a small stage and no gimmicks - no fancy costumes or elaborate set changes.

Donna Heaslip starred as strait-laced beauty salon owner Maddie, David Perks as Scots trapeze artist/love interest Tobias and Lise Stuart as Carrie the charismatic Brummie.

The audience was in fits of laughter throughout the 70-minute production.

The play is about two step-sisters who appear to be chalk and cheese but have hidden secrets which reverses the audiences first impressions.

It's essentially a comedy but there are some truly poignant moments, like when Carrie admits the truth about her and her husband's relationship.

Keith Potts and Karin Heslop should also be patting themselves on the back for realising there was a gap in the market for theatre of this kind.

MC