IF you like Roy Hudd's brand of funny face comedy then you'll enjoy Theft, this week's production at Malvern Theatres.

There are plenty of funny one-liners, familiar faces and humorous situations and Monday night's audience certainly seemed to find something to chortle at.

The plot is fairly simple - John Miles, played by Leslie Grantham, returns home from a night out with friends to find his country home has been burgled.

Roy Hudd pops up pretending to be a policeman, but of course he's really the burglar. As the play unravels it becomes evident that not only has he burgled their home, he has also stolen their personal secrets.

The play is basically written around Roy Hudd's familiar brand of humour with a lot of leg shaking and face pulling. There are deeper elements to the plot with a lot of airing of dirty washing, but this side of the play was less appealing and time seemed to drag at points.

Leslie Grantham was disappointing as the self-made, wealthy businessman. He seemed to have the one look and one tone of voice, but perhaps the blame should be placed with the playwright Eric Chappell for failing to develop his character.

Joanna Van Gyseghem was entertaining as the hard-done-by wife, but overall the comedy element of the play was not sustained.

Theft continues at Malvern Theatres until Saturday, June 16.

Kate Williams