HOW admirably this 18-strong cast and 15-member crew endeavour to turn old lace into gold.

They bring enthusiasm and energy to this yarn of two ladies who enjoy killing off their lonely old lodgers. As the murdering aunts, Sue Imms and Frances Benson give outstanding performances.

Benson shows real pathos as a cheery killer and has a canny knack of milking laughs.

Meanwhile Imms is so convincing with her accent and dowdy dress.

Indeed the costuming by Jenny Shortland and Ann Warrington, and the impressive staging by Rob Guilding and Tony Hobby, goes no-little way to convince the audience that this is 1940s America.

Other bright spots include the elegance of Tynna Loveday as Elaine Harper, the sheer menace of the psychotic Jonathon Brewster, played by Brendan Moore, and the convincing portrayal of lunacy turned in by Hugh Farey as Teddy Brewster/Roosevelt.

In teenager Mark Loveday, playing Jonathon's German accomplice, Conquest Productions has a star in the making.

Actors can only go so far with a flagging script, though. Joseph Kesse-ring's 1940s play is invariably described as a "classic" comedy. But in this instance "classic" merely reflects its age rather than its quality with the story, dragging at times and some dated jokes.

However the audience is not let down with the performances of the cast.

The play runs until tomorrow (Saturday) at the Bromyard venue with performances at 8pm. Tickets cost £7 and £6.

John Brenan.