SIXTIES atmosphere and a memorable performance by Sunny Ormonde as the sparky Susan distinguish Everyone's Gone to the Moon, the third play in the Worcester Century cycle at the Swan Theatre.

The action all takes place on one night, as Susan's husband, the upwardly mobile Tony (Robin Kingsland) throws a party to celebrate the moon landing, shows off his newly acquired barbecue and prepares to receive the mayor.

Unexpected guests include student friends of their daughter (Amy Shindler) and Tony's business partner (Yasmin Wilde) dubbed "the Ronkswood Tart" by the irate Susan.

With the help of members of the community company and some Greek dancing led by Demetrius (Robin Simpson) the party is going with a swing when the tipsy Susan lets rip.

In these events of a single night, written by Kate Shaw, we are brought up to date with the history of the Stokes family, introduced in the first two plays.

History has an interesting way of repeating itself, as the fourth play, Inheritance by Lance Goodman, cleverly demonstrates.

Sunny Ormonde now plays Susan's daughter-in-law, married to the resentful Melvin (Robin Kingsland) and mother of Cliff (Robin Simpson).

Cliff bears the weight of everyone else's problems, just as Alfred (also played by Simpson) did in the first play. The actor is again partnered by Yasmin Wild, as the loving and compassionate Emma, while echoes of the past are underlined by the commentary of the 100-year-old Maisie (Tina Gray) and the ghost of her youth, played by Amy Shindler.

The play brings the cycle up to date, with a satisfying conclusion.

All four can still be seen at the Swan until Saturday, April 28.

Kathy Don