Black Rat Production's, Bouncers, opened to a standing ovation from a very appreciative audience at Blackwood Miner's Institute. Pacy, edgy and hugely entertaining, John Godber's sharply observed comment on a typical clubbing Friday night out in any town or city is as relevant now as when it was re-written for a cast of four in the early 80's.

Mike Doyle, Gareth Bale, Sam Davies and Richard Tunley (who has directed the production) are the four nightclub bouncers who take on the roles of more than 20 characters between them in a rollercoaster evening of music, laughter and eventually pathos.

The tempo of the piece is un-relenting, with the bouncers seamlessly changing character to become four louts on a typical lads night out, to four sozzled women intent on preserving the handbag dancing tradition.

The humour is constantly over-layed with reflection and at times uncomfortable truth.

Mike Doyle's character, Lucky Eric, delivers a compassionate set of monolgues with typical conviction, each one probing and questioning behaviour that has become the norm.

The production is intense and ultimately soars only due to the credibilty of this amazing quartet of actors.

Vital, shocking ...and hilarious! this is not to be missed. Catch it next at The Gate Theatre, Cardiff, November 17-18 or visit www.blackratproductions for the full tour list.