HAILED as "the theatre of the 21st century" by The Guardian, Frantic Assembly had a lot to live up to and, inevitably, Heavenly, their latest touring show, did not quite hit these lofty heights.

But their inventive, quirky three-handed show won over a predominantly young, non-theatre attending audience with its blend of movement, music and acting.

As the play opens, three men, newly arrived in heaven, attempt to come to terms with their temporal decease and we learn of the events which led them to join the choir everlasting.

Performances were good, the lighting and set skilfully used and it was encouraging to see theatre drawing a new and younger audience.

One cavil though, the accompanying rustle of confectionery bags which punctuated the evening and which seems to be an increasing feature in theatres now is less welcome. PW