We Happy Few -- Bingley Little Theatre

There's another cracking performance from Bingley Little Theatre this week with We Happy Few, described as "a happy play" by Imogen Stubbs.

The play tells the story of a troupe of female actors who took culture to the masses during World War Two.

Robin Martin's direction was pacy, the large cast even changing the scenes as they went along. My particular favourites were Jan Darnborough, who was sympathetic in the role of Hetty Oaks, June Driver as her comical pal Flora Pelmet and Louise Abberton as Brummie Ivy.

David Templeton took on six parts. funniest of which was the mayor. All credit too to wardrobe mistresses Pauline Sharp and Elaine Varo for capturing the 1940s dress.

l Runs until tomorrow.

Sylvia Thompson

The Vagina Monologues -- Bradford Alhambra

The smiles and giggles started before the show as the hordes of women pointed to outnumbered men in the audience.

But we were soon forgotten as Eve Ensler's fabulously funny and magnificently moving show got underway.

In an age where the word vagina is still a word to be whispered rather than shouted, this show takes an unashamed approach in saying it loudly and proudly.

In fact, the audience joined in with some relish when urged to shout the normally unmentionable c-word.

But to view this as pointless titillation is actually to miss the point. This is a celebration of womanhood, in its deepest and normally most private of forms.

Anyone failing to warm to the monologues -- delivered on the night by Su Pollard, Alison Newman and the wonderful Josie D'Arby needs checking for a pulse. You will not fail to be touched, tickled and taught (a whole list of new names for the vagina) by this show!

l Runs tonight/tomorrow.

Stuart Roberts

Twelfth Night -- Bradford Alhambra

The tale of shipwrecked twins and unrequited love with a happy ending was played to a disappointingly small Alhambra audience last week.

A pity as Matthew Kelly and co lit up the stage with a wonderful performance.

The show was blessed with great comic lines, a stylish production, and strong performances, especially from Roger Barclay as the superbly idiotic Sir Andrew -- and Kelly as the malevolent Malvolio.

Hilton McRae's tuneful, thoughtful and wise 'fool' was also top-drawer stuff.

Stuart Roberts