Joe Orton’s 1964 black farce may no longer shock or cause outrage as it did back then but it remains a wickedly hilarious satire of the Roman Catholic Church, social attitudes to death, and the public’s perception of the police force.

Two young thieves, Hal and Dennis, having robbed a bank return to Hal's home to hide the money.

With Hal's mother recently deceased, her coffin provides an excellent hiding place for the money.

With the arrival of Inspector Truscott, the plot twists and turns as the thieves frantically try to keep him off the scent.

They are aided by Nurse McMahon, a black widow, who having lost seven husbands now sets her sights on Hal's father.

A hectic pace is maintained throughout leaving the audience feeling they have been on a rollercoaster ride.

The whole cast are superb. Emmie Spencer, as the demon nurse, is a delightful creature - wide eyed innocence laced with guile whilst Andy Bell skillfully blends Truscott’s absurdity with his psychotic tendencies.

Frank Leon and Jonny Parlett, as the bi-sexual miscreants, play off each other beautifully. There is subtle characterisation from Alistair Lock, Hal’s much put upon father – a mixture of piety, outrage and bewilderment.

Four Stars