Crooked Wood, Purbeck Players, Mowlem Theatre, Swanage

THIS thought-provoking play by Gillian Plowman is based on a screenplay by Michael Palin and is set in a ramshackle Victorian house that is the only stumbling-block between a developer and a multi-million-pound deal.

As soon as the curtains parted the care that had gone into the production became obvious, with a brilliantly realistic set complete with "antiques" - including a most impressive grand piano and a lacquered chest that the company had built themselves.

There was also a wonderfully rickety staircase, and when "baddie" Murray Lester (Dominic Hagyard) disappeared through a rotten section it was all I could do to stop myself cheering.

All the characters were well drawn and believable, and direction by Frank Rickard was superb. Daphne Napier was a delight as elderly Prudence Harwick, determined to stay put by persuading Andrew Veitch (a plausible, albeit slightly hesitant Jeremy Gough), who has been sent to get her out, to carry out repairs instead.

There were lovely cameos in other roles too, especially from Pat Jones. Tony Hessey, Quentin Gilbey and Kerry Greener.