STERLING performances brought a very enjoyable and absorbing play to life at Colwall Village Hall on Thursday night.

The Colwall Players' interpretation of Shelagh Stephenson's Olivier Award winning The Memory of Water was slick, well-choreographed and entertaining.

The action centres on three sisters who meet up on the eve of their mother's funeral, and the subsequent details that unravel about their lives.

Not the most riveting subject matter at first glance, but the excellent pace, taut writing and fine balance of the script made it compelling viewing.

The three actresses who played the sisters, Dianne Lloyd, Anna Byers and Angela Meredith, were all utterly believable, communicating their characters' colour and depth without over-acting.

They were complemented by Andrew Howie, Jim Howden and Sue Jago, all of whom kept the standard sky-high, and glitch-free lighting and effects.

Had they been less talented, or Lee Farley's direction less assured, the demanding nature of the very naturalistic roles could have made for an uncomfortable evening's viewing.

But suspending disbelief for the play's entire length was effortless - the unmistakable hallmark of a good production.

Its painful observations on family life and sharp, crackling humour were both captured with impressive assurance.

The players are venturing over to Ledbury's Market Theatre tonight and tomorrow night (Friday and Saturday). They deserve to sell out.

Jon di Paolo