Stepping Out is a mix of gentle comedy and clowning around as we follow the lives, loves and less than perfect dance moves of an adult tap dancing class.

Taught in a church hall by ex-professional dancer Mavis (Patsy Palmer), who is full of smiles, praise and encouragement, we watch their dancing improve as we learn a little about their lives.

From the lonely widower Geoffrey to the large lady with an idle, unemployed husband and another we later learn is a battered wife, they are an odd but likeable bunch. As they play progresses, we discover they all have their secrets and the class is an escape from the reality of their lives.

Tap dancing, with its suggestions of glamour, spectacle and Holly-wood glitz is the perfect antidote to reality and, while Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers they are not, the class do their teacher proud in the end. A mix of music, comedy and dancing, Stepping Out is good entertainment, although I found the pace a little slow.

It continues tonight (Friday) and tomorrow.

Sue Vickers