It has been years since I last saw the wonderful TV film version of this Mike Leigh play starring Alison Steadman but it still remains fondly nestled in my memory.

Like when Hollywood "does" your favourite book, this affection made going to see this contemporary stage adaptation totally irresistible, despite the nagging suspicion that it just couldn't possibly be the same.

The set with its decadent Seventies splendour was immediately satisfying. With the curtain raised before the play started, the anticipatory crowd were full of excited mutterings of "That's our old clock!", "My mother had a fibre light like that" and "Look at the phone!"

But as the opening scenes introduced the new characters, I couldn't help but compare.

Beverly was much nicer than I remembered her, Ange more assertive and less nerdy and monosyllabic Tone less funny.

Yet as the new interpretation of Beverly's dark and hilarious cocktail gathering unfolded, I started to laugh at the new, pushier Ange's tactless haranguing of the poor divorced Sue, be a little touched at the sadder, more desperate edge to Beverly and really enjoy the enhanced comedy of the excellently acted Sue.

I couldn't help but feel the darkness of the end was not as black as I would like but the sexual chemistry between Beverly and Tone seemed more daring and the drunkenness of all the characters got everyone clutching at their splitting sides.

Of course, lots of things weren't as good as the original masterpiece but, I have to admit, some were better and some just as good in their own different way - so I put comparisons aside and wallowed in what was a genuinely enjoyable show.

For tickets and further information, call 01273 328488.