Game Plan is the first in a new trilogy of Alan Ayckbourn plays at the Theatre Royal this week and a fine example of the writer's craft it is too.

Ayckbourn is probably the finest craftsman in English theatre today. He is neither a comedian nor a tragedian, yet he writes both superbly.

Game Plan is vintage Ayckbourn. The set, as it will be for all plays in the trilogy - although each play stands alone - is a luxury apartment in London's Docklands.

In Game Plan, the family has lost its money in the dot.com crash and Dad has run off with the wife's former business partner, leaving her to survive by cleaning offices while still bringing up her 16-year-old daughter, Sorrel (Saskia Butler).

But Sorrel has ideas of helping out financially by becoming a prostitute and persuades her friend Kelly (Alison Pargeter) into being her combined maid and minder.

The naive, well-educated, girl and her equally innocent friend try it out with tragic consequences - albeit with a great deal of humour.

Directed by the playwright, this piece comes alive from the beginning. The script is sharp, the choreography is sublime and the acting fabulous.

This is a master of theatre taking an unknown cast, making them work hard and giving out top-class entertainment along the way.

Pargeter as reluctant maid Kelly takes the top honours. Not only does she look the uncomfortable schoolgirl, she is also convincing in her manner, movements and timing.

Butler is also convincing as Sorrel the would-be tart, not quite hard enough to succeed but attempting a confidence she obviously does not possess.

The production rests almost entirely on these two young actresses and they come up trumps.

Game Plan is a top piece of theatre, both superbly comic and beautifully and deeply touching.

Game Plan can be seen again on August 15 at 2.30pm and on August 17 at 11am.

The second play, Flat Spin, can be seen on August 15 at 7.45pm and on August 17 at 3pm.

The final play, Role Play is on August 14, 16 and 17 at 7.45pm. For tickets, call 01273 328488.