ROSS playwright Peter Terson has come up trumps again - this time in conjunction with fellow writer Suzanne Hill.

The Beauty Island, which runs at Ross-on-Wye's Phoenix Theatre until Saturday, is a light little piece which takes the virtues of a department store beauty island as its subject.

Two coiffured rivals, Chantelle and Lustre, take newcomer Wendy (quickly re-named, Kylie - 'to appeal to the younger customer') under their starched wing.

The first two scenes portray the morning's business, as various customers approach the 'island' for therapy, retail or emotional.

These cameos were nicely played by the ensemble, five of whom took it in turns to don wig, glasses, accent and prop. A lesser amateur group could have stumbled at the challenge.

Act two reveals a darkening turn of events as the veneer of the polish and perfumery counter wears thin. Real life forces its way through the cracks and things take a nasty turn.

It's an ambitious piece which encompasses some difficult matter - adultery, illness, exploitation and misery - but the upshot is satisfactory.

A good set, convincing costumes and nice direction make this a flagship amateur show, which deserves support. Julie Harries