THEATRE comes in so many shapes and sizes that every visit can be an enticing prospect of the unexpected.

What a pleasure it was to go to one of Bosbury Parish Hall's regular Arts Alive events, to see a small travelling company perform with an unusual energy and freshness.

Thus was 3hird Wheel Theatre Company's staging of Changed Priorities.

Just three young actors, with a few poles and wheels for props, spoke, sang and choreographed their way to deliver a fascinating insight into how to look at something as simple, yet potentially sinister, as 'regulation'.

By the clever use of road traffic metaphors, we were treated to a strange world of regulated speaking, eating, kissing and the like!

With extraordinarily effective use of the few props, and their own bodies, performers Chris Bowman, Ben Clark and Tomos Parry, delivered some of the best acting from interpretation I have seen in a long time.

I shall not forget in a hurry a truly impressive park bench scene in which words, actors and props literally supported each other to present a remarkable piece of theatre!

We know that theatre is about illusion, and we go prepared to suspend reality, but this company managed through sheer acting ability to get across thought provoking ideas - and to amuse in the process.

It was a pity that there was not a bigger audience, but such great initiatives by both Bosbury and the Arts Alive organisation are, like the play itself, to be roundly applauded.

Arts Alive is funded by local authorities and the Arts Council.

ALAN SOPER