AS I am not usually a fan of Alan Ayckbourn's plays, my enjoyment of this production was probably largely due to the first class interpretation by Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society.

The play circulated around a production of The Beggar's Opera by an amateur operatic society, when a newcomer began with a minor role and ended up with the main part, Macheath, because cast members kept dropping out.

The society's musical director, John Griswold, stole the honours with a brilliant performance as the long-suffering director, providing much of the comedy.

Impressive in smaller roles were Daphne Knight, as a rather dotty Enid, and Frank Bonney as her husband, Ted, who's "ham" acting was brilliant.

Two newcomers to the society, Jessica Keen and Hannah McCormack, made excellent debuts, and I can still see Chris Jones counting her dance steps! There were a few too many prompts on the first evening, but I am sure these are not now necessary.

This was a most enjoyable evening, with lots of laughs. The play runs until Saturday. VJS