Acorn Antiques, Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth

IT SOLD out its West End run - despite record ticket prices of £65 - and is now in Bournemouth for much less! With book, music and direction by Victoria Wood I went to see this wacky musical with high expectations but it disappointed and delighted in equal measure.

Based on Wood's TV comedy sketches dating back 20 years and not fresh in my memory I sensed I was missing out on the in-jokes that her die-hard fans are familiar with.

The show spoofs dodgy TV soaps like Crossroads with its wobbly sets, shaky cameras, bad actors and fluffed lines. But it is also a send-up of musicals themselves.

Since Wood's early work was grounded in witty songs it seems natural to write a full stage musical that is both witty and satirical, and it is intriguing to watch.

Ninety per cent of its success is down to the hilarious dialogue and brilliantly crafted comic characters.

The music isn't entirely necessary and I wonder if the show would be better without it. But there are show-stopping moments like when the ancient cleaner Mrs Overall bursts into song and dance about the merits of a cup of tea and cake above the delights of illegal substances.

And, of course, the big glitzy finale in which she descends a staircase in spangled rubber gloves.

Woods hacked a huge chunk off the beginning of the show, originally directed by Sir Trevor Nunn, but she could edit the musical content further.

Stars Julie Walters and Victoria Wood were a major factor in the original version's success but the performances of the new touring cast, especially Ria Jones as Mrs O and Sara Crowe as Miss Babs, were excellent.