Nunsense -- Bingley Arts Centre

What a cracker of a show Nunsense was with Bingley Little Theatre on Monday. A larger-than-usual first night audience revelled in the fun and was loathe to let the cast leave the stage. If the show was so spot-on for the first night, it will be superb by closing night tomorrow!

This American piece has apparently become something of a cult show across the Atlantic and well deserves it. So comfortable was the cast that it was obvious that Helen Clarke -- both the Rev Mother and the director -- and others were very familiar with it.

Helen and three others -- all new to the Bingley Arts Centre stage -- had played their parts many times before, but you couldn't tell the difference between them and BLT's own Nicola Brook. Even musical director Catherine Sweet and musicians Philip Walsh, Jeff Garrett and Andrew Sherlock got into the spirit of the show by dressing in clerical garb. And their role was important. As the programme put it, "what a galaxy of talent".

The show continues tonight and tomorrow, 7.30pm, phone 01274 432000.

Sylvia Thompson

King Lear -- Alhambra, Bradford

When Shakespeare wrote about murderous and bloody deeds, he obviously anticipated what I'd like to do to theatregoers who don't switch off their mobiles.

Well, three people to be exact, who let their phones ring merrily during English Touring Theatre's production of King Lear.

But they didn't manage to detract from a fine production of what is often regarded as Shakespeare's greatest tragedy.

When Lear decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, chaos and madness are the result as family members and followers plot against each other.

Timothy West is a class act in the lead role and is utterly convincing as a Lear whose arrogance leads to his downfall, madness and his ultimate contrition.

There is strong support from Garry Cooper, as a solid Duke of Kent, and Dominic Rickhards, who tears into his role as the dark and scheming Edmund with relish.

Jessica Turner, Catherine Kanter and Rachel Pickup are also fine as Lear's daughters Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. Even though director Stephen Unwin has trimmed the original play, it still weighs in at a hefty three hours.

Lear still raises many pertinent issues about family, ageing and loyalty, and this performance provides more than enough material for discussion -- just not over the phone, please.

King Lear runs until tomorrow. For details phone 01274 752000.

Richard Brgger

Theatre: Dick Whittington

Sutton Amateurs lived up to their well-earned reputation for a jolly good show when they staged the pantomime Dick Whittington and his Cat

The show romped along at a good pace with all the elements of the traditional panto.

The baddie King Rat (John Happs) was hissed and booed, and the comedy double act Simon and Cissy (Dean Harness and Philip Smith) had everyone laughing.

The rats scampered, Tom the Cat (Emma Waters) was "purrfect", and Dick and Alice (Julie Smith and Alison Waters) were a delightful duo.

Everybody who took part is to be congratulated -- they were full of enthusiasm.

The scenery painters, costumiers, musicians and all who helped in any way deserve a big thank you for staging a good old family show.

Margaret Almond