Dead Funny it certainly is. Hilariously uplifting, the play revolves around a group of anoraks whose hobby of celebrating their favourite comedians (mostly deceased) borders on the obsessional.

Terry Johnson's awardwinning play is beautifully written and executed and his genius lies in his ability to keep his audience buoyant with laughter, whilst simultaneously tackling painful subjects such as rejection and marital infidelities with heartrending pathos.

Sharp characterisations come from Steven Pinder as a surgeon with a childish streak, Kerry Peers as his frustrated and neglected wife, and Samantha Giles and Ben Hull as friends visiting to mourn the death of their hero Benny Hill.

Nick Barclay, covering for an indisposed Robin Askwith, is touchingly gauche and very funny as their pal with a secret.

Get a ticket - you're a long time dead.