Alan Ayckbourn often looks at different relationships and how they break down under pressure; this play shows his style with flair.

The people of Pendon are attempting to organise a pageant based on a local legend of the Pendon Twelve, 12 men who banded together to overthrow the local landlords.

The team heading up the organisation is an extremely varied bunch varying from the snooty and prudish aristocrat to the teacher wishing to be a left-wing, marxist political activist and a variety of other characters in between all being held together by the suffering chairperson.

As the play moves on, the personal bonds start breaking down and remoulding.

All the characters were played with vigour and aplomb - the acting was superb. Yvonne Chamberlain and Rob Patchett played Helen and Eric respectively were great at displaying their loathing for each other's views, quickly leading to severe personal dislike, and making the audience laugh while they battled.

Terry Johnson also portrayed Lawrence very shrewdly, managing to display his inner despair at his troubles whilst still managing to make his character humorous.

John Clark was absolutely brilliant as Tim the ex-military man who struggles to realise that he’s no longer at war - you could almost picture him on the field.

The actor who caught many peoples’ attention was Marion Coker, as the ageing Audrey, with her hilarious impression of the dotty, yet sharp, lady next door - like a Miss Marple who’s beginning to lose the many marbles she’d stored over the years.

The play was well-directed, with an excellent back-stage team.

Before seeing the show I had my doubts, knowing Ayckbourn’s reputation for employing humour so dark that it goes past being funny, however I was more than impressed.