THERE are bossy women, very bossy women, and then there is Emma Hornett, who could boss for England.

Joan Wakeman excels as the matriarch of the family, whose domineering actually derives from her love of, and ambitions for, her family.

She has for so long had to take charge of husband, daughter and scatty sister-in-law, that she takes it for granted that she always has to tell everyone what to do.

Of course, no-one would ever be good enough for her daughter, Shirley, and especially not young matelot Albert - as Emma says "You know what sailors are".

Richard Casewell is brilliant as hen-pecked husband Henry, on the surface an unhappy man, but really admiring his wife, and quite contented, as long as he can keep his ferrets.

Adding to the general mayhem is Jamie Thompson as Albert, who loves his bride, but dreads her mother, James Stevens as best man Carnoustie Bligh, Becky Dicken as Shirley, and Laurie Pollitt as bridesmaid Daphne.

Pat Taft gives a delightful performance as nosy neighbour Mrs Lack, who never actually comes in for a cup of tea, but always manages to get one, even if it is intended for someone else. And then there is Edie, played ably by Sandra Tudor, the woman who was deserted at the altar some 20 years ago and bursts into tears at the mere mention of a wedding.

There is a wonderful cameo by the ever-reliable Stanley Barten, as the vicar, who understands Albert's reticence to tie the knot as he has a mother-in-law himself.

The Nonentities have triumphed once again, with the spot-on timing essential for this kind of comedy, and the running "hot teapot on polished sideboard" gag is played superbly.

I have one query - why did Henry wear his buttonhole on the wrong side?

Husbands who see this play will surely appreciate their wives more when they have seen Emma Hornett! VJS