Theatre reviews

Richard Nash's The Rainmaker is firmly in the category of depression era plays where hope springs eternal.

Set in Mid-West USA in the 1930s, during a period of severe drought, the play is based around the Curry family, whose farm and livelihood is going down the pan.

Pa H C Curry and his youngest son Jim try and look on the bright side of life but are pegged back by elder son Noah, who sees only doom and gloom ahead.

Noah also clashes with sister Lizzie, who wants to break free of her "plain" image.

Just when things seem to hit rock bottom, a mysterious stranger called Bill Starbuck walks into their lives and promises to bring rain, although these days he would probably offer to convert the house into a coffee shop.

The family is sceptical of the rainmaker's promise but they each fall under his charismatic spell and are never the same again.

What follows is a play that can veer towards apple pie sentimentality but also has great moments of humour and pathos.

As ever with the Playhouse, there are fine performances across the board, with Steven Clark giving an excellent comic turn as Jim and Colin Dobson and Wendy Todd both fine as H C and Lizzie.

But the real star is David Poole as Starbuck, who turns in a classy and commanding performance. Director Mike Boothroyd also manages to keep things flowing nicely.

Thankfully, the American accents are pretty watertight too, although there are occasions when they become more limestone than rhinestone. This is yet another fine production by Keighley Playhouse that deserves to be showered with praise.

* Performances continue tonight and tomorrow. To book phone 08451 267859

Richard Brgger

42nd Street, Grand Theatre, Leeds

The lullaby of Broadway rings out to the accompaniment of a constant tap-tap-tap of dancing feet this week. That's because Leeds Amateurs are presenting the most effervescent and fly-away of stage musicals.

And their flawless, frenetic, fantastic production is the most enjoyable theatrical night out I've had for a long time. The society prefers to be known as LAOS -- disguising its amateur credentials -- and no wonder since it's better than many professional outfits.

Shows such as Leeds' 42nd Street are in a very different league to the enjoyable -- but less expensive and less polished -- productions of Keighley, Bingley, Skipton and my own Sutton Amateurs. Here is a show with music, sound, lighting, scenery, costumes and, above all, performances that cannot be faulted.

Many a professional would be proud to act, sing or dance as superbly as these part-time performers. Riddlesden butcher Ian Hewitt was just one of several principals who, with the well-drilled chorus, made this such a joyous affair.

They made 42nd Street -- the story of a girl plucked from the chorus to the lead role in a Broadway musical -- more than just a fluffy fairytale. I certainly had lumps in my throat -- but only when I wasn't marvelling at the many spectacular dance numbers.

* Performances tonight and tomorrow. Book at Keighley Information Centre or phone 0113 222-6222.

David Knights

Once Upon a Time in Wigan, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

A Lancashire town is possibly the last place you would think to find a modern day Shangri-La.

But for most of the Seventies, Wigan Casino was paradise to lads in wide trousers and lasses in long skirts, all dancing through the night to sweet soul sounds.

And it is the music, sweat, tears and joy of the all-nighters at the famous venue that is captured in this new play by Bradford writer Mick Martin.

The play centres on characters Maxine, Suzanne, Eugene and Danny, who live for the weekends on the dance floor as an escape from their mundane jobs and lives.

All is fine during the casino's heydays, but like all good things it must come to an end.

The plot may be wafer thin but the play throbs with a fantastic soundtrack of Northern Soul classics and crackles with a wicked wit.

A video screen also features original footage of the spinning and somersaulting dancers who called the casino home. Mick Martin and director Paul Sadot's love for the people, the atmosphere, the dancing and, above all the music, shines through like a glitterball.

And judging from the audience's response they could well have an enduring hit on their hands to rival the likes of Blood Brothers.

This is an enjoyable play for any music fan, but its real appeal will lie with those soul survivors looking to recapture those cherished moments on the dance floor.

* Performances run until March 22. For details phone 0113 2137700.

Richard Brgger