This is a radical departure for the Customs House. As a venue that extols the virtues of the urban working class in its productions, Roz Wyllie's debut professional play concentrates on a rural, middle class family.

What unfolds is a drama about sibling rivalry that is both gripping and entertaining. This is Sarah's story, played by Victoria Elliott, who is outstanding. She returns to the family home in Suffolk where her intense rivalry with sister Lucy (Samantha Phyllis Morris) is the central theme of the play. Sarah has low self-esteem but she's sailed through life, much to the annoyance of Lucy, who was always been the brunt of Sarah's hurtful practical jokes.

Sarah is accompanied for the visit by a pretend boyfriend Tom (Micky Cochrane) and Cochrane, like all of the cast, is a delight. His agony at being caught in the middle of this family feud is palpable. You really feel for the lad.

Trying to placate her daughters and act as a responsible mother is Rita (Jacqueline Phillips), who outwardly appears to be the contented middle class woman but has deep emotional issues of her own.

The piece is more like a fully fledged drama with some good comedy lines and director Carol McGuigan ensures the pace ebbs and flows nicely. This is definitely worth venturing out for on a cold February evening and marks the emergence of a potentially talented playwright in Roz Wyllie.

9th February 2006