THE Valentine's night crowd settled expectantly at Malvern Theatres ready to enjoy a night of comedy, and as usual, the clever characters and witty script in Party Piece by Richard Harris, did not disappoint.

Opening on an amazingly lifelike set, this play, set in two semi-detached houses featured the new trendies on one side, and the old unmovable on the other. George Cole as Mr Hinson, the ancient and irritating neighbour from hell, complete with Brough Special motorbike in the garden, was a perfect characterisation.

He whined, he moaned, he wheedled, upsetting everyone including his family. His son David, played by Peter Amory, hit just the right note of comic quips and frustration, as his dad undermined him at every turn.

The trendy neighbours, Michael and Roma, planning their 'fun' barbecue were expertly played by Matthew Cottle and Katie Russell. Michael was a control freak, blaming his wife for everything, and Roma failed to please at every turn. I couldn't believe that this pair had children; Michael's 'don't touch my stereo' character would never have tolerated their mess. Tracey Childs was perfect as David's wife, constantly criticised by his Dad. Toby and Sandy ably completed the cast as the unwilling guests. Party Piece runs until Saturday.

REVIEW BY MARTIN SMITH