THE childhood hometown of comic genius Stan Laurel seems the perfect place to watch this farcical comedy, produced by Bishop Auckland Theatre Society.

The play hits the ground running as the curtain opens, with the two main characters, Jack and Jill Hardy, locked in a heated marital bickering match.

The two display the illogical and hilarious pettiness that can characterise such domestic battles. The couple’s life seems to be one long endless row.

Enter the old fail-safe staple of British comedy – the annoying mother-in-law, shortly followed by a flirtatious femme fatale and you have recipe for disaster!

Set in the couple’s living room, Hornby has used a simple formula, not unlike The Royle family in that the humble living room is a place where all manner of human frustrations are played out.

Colin Nobbs playing Jack and Yvonne Doyle as Jill bounce off each other with ease and superb comic timing.

Doyle convincingly portrays the angst of a disillusioned wife and Nobbs is particularly good at delivering the play’s fast paced one-liners with funny facial expressions to boot!

As the farce develops, someone is murdered and the culprit isn’t found. The dead person returns as a ghost to get mixed up in the ensuing melee, acting out his invisible high jinx.

Layer upon layer of delicious humour is piled up until the story reveals a twist in its heartwarming finale. Icing on the cake!

■ Wait until the Ghost is Clear runs until today. Call the box office on 07977-441090, or tickets are available at the door priced £6, or £5 concessions.

Alternatively, telephone 01325-314759.

Andi Nader