Review: Improbable Fiction, Lace Market Theatre

A SEEDY writers' circle meets at the home of flustered, mother-bound Arnold. There's the embittered, child-hating ex-teacher; the weirdly robotic sci-fi man who also lives with his mother; the somewhat lesbian rural pessimist trying to pen historical romance; the mousy and abused housewife; the fanciable blonde woman who's into formulaic 30s murder.

They, and Arnold's doting young friend, there to make the coffee and minister to his mother, are all embarrassingly recognisable types. As in most Alan Ayckbourn, there's well-observed pathos and social awkwardness as well as edgy humour.

But the real fun comes after the break when the cliché-laden literary worlds already touched on come to glorious life.

It's a strong cast – that much is clear during the first act. But each actor has to demonstrate real versatility in the second and none disappoint.

There are pleasing performances from Andy Haynes, as Arnold, the nice man to whom everything happens, Alison Hope, in the narrator/governess part, and Elaine Croft and Ian Currie in all their parts.

This is another outstanding piece of direction from Max Bromley. And he and his actors are well served back-stage by set designer Derek Turner.

ALAN GEARY