THERE'S something comforting about the Gladstone Theatre, a charming venue set within picturesque Port Sunlight.
If you're over forty it takes you back to a life gone by, which makes it an excellent choice for Brian McCann's latest production, Life.
Veronica Shuttle, played with endearing optimism by Suzanne Collins, introduces us to animated snapshot scenes of her life from the rough and tumble of first school through to maturity and motherhood.
Scene from Active Drama's 'Life' at The Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight
It's almost like a collection of living postcards, with orchestrated soundtrack played live by an accomplished trio of keyboards and clarinet, and toe tapping original songs, ranging from comical commentary to poignant soul searching.
The highly-accomplished mainly Wirral-based ensemble rise to the challenge of presenting fast paced multiple characterisations that ring true for the audience, who are all along for the ride.
It's always great to see a company clearly enjoying working together their enthusiasm is infectious.
Lesley Butler, Roy Brandon, Lynne Fitzgerald, Sam Heller and Edwina Lea convincingly convey family, "the only caravanning family to suffer from jet lag," friends and a few characters in between.
In particular, it would be nice to see more of Sam Heller's treacherous "baby" brother, Vernon.
But the strongest scenes are between Suzanne Collins and Lenny Woods, as Veronica and Leslie - an odd couple of sorts.
Leslie's awkward romantic advances are excruciating but very funny, and the subsequent descent into darker emotions is powerfully portrayed by Suzanne Collins' vulnerable but determinedly hopeful Veronica.
It's a heartwarming show, with some great comedy and wonderful orchestration of McCann's original music by Wirral's musical godfather Greg Williams.
The ending needs a little more attention, but that's Life, isn't it?
Brian McCann's accurately observed portrait of family life runs until Saturday October 1 at 7.30pm, produced by Active Drama Productions.
Tickets from 0151 643 8757.
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