This may not be the Christmas panto that you were expecting, but bloody hell is it good! I had to check myself a few times from butting in with the on-stage conversation or getting up to use the gents on the side of the stage. An absolute TREAT!

The casting couldn’t be any better, and the actors make mincemeat of the script, which itself is to die for. Even the throw-away lines aren't throw-away lines. The characters carry the weight of their lives heavily upon their shoulders, which could prove utterly depressing were it not handled so beautifully.

Stephen Stephens’ play is a perfect little microcosm of a pub that we’ve all been to. One where a nod across a bar or a sideways look is often all that’s needed to communicate whole chapters. A pub where the wallpaper hasn’t been changed for 20 years and the carpet sticks to your feet as you come through the doors. You know the pub I mean?

There are points at which the humour is so dark dry that you’re not sure whether you should be laughing under your breath or gently sobbing, and other whole scenes where you could hear a pin drop in the theatre as the intensity builds to snapping point.

It’s probably only fair to mention that there is very strong language throughout the play. Not in any sense gratuitous… and in fact the often-dreaded ‘C’ word sounds absolutely at home in this seedy East End pub.

The script, the acting… even the scene changes are simply stunning. I’ve been warned not to wax lyrical, but there were ear-to-ear smiles from everyone in the audience at the end of the performance as they realised they had just witnessed something very special.

You’ll absolutely love it. I promise!

After Brighton, "Christmas" transfers to the Bush Theatre in London in January 2004.

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Background on the production:

A.P.E. is a Brighton-based theatre company founded by a group of leading screen stars including James Lance, Lee Ross and Jo McInnes and whose patrons include Alan Rickman, Kathy Burke, and Ralph Fiennes. The group performs the world premier of "Christmas", a new play by award-winning writer Simon Stephens.

A.P.E. was set up last year, when Lance ("Teachers", "The Book Group", currently playing a lead role in Stephen Fry's "Absolute Power"), Ross ("The English Patient", "Secrets & Lies", "Metroland", "Rogue Trader") and McInnes ("Playing the Field", "Gangster No 1", "Birthday Girl", "Ma Femme Est Une Actrice") became disillusioned with the increasingly formulaic and ratings-driven nature of the entertainment industry.

In an attempt to provide a whole evening of entertainment, performances will be followed by live music or a DJ.

The play is being supported by Made in Brighton Ltd, a new initiative from the Arts Council and City Council that aims to encourage local theatre projects, and Yes / No Productions, the people behind the fabulous Stomp.