Caxton Theatre show is a diamond with One Man Two Guvnors

Grimsby's Caxton Theatre has a stage packed with diamond geezers for one of the funniest productions for years.

Written by Hull East boy-done-good, Richard Bean, One Man Two Guvnors is a hilarious farce from start to finish.

Not only does the crew have loads-a talent and plenty of Cockney rhyming slang to share with the audience, but they have shown that a Grimsby stage can rival anything the capital's West End has to offer.

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The comedy is simply laugh-out-loud brilliant thanks to the cast and the director Robert Till, who deserves huge praise for combining the terrific actors with a script from a superb writer.

The audience at the first night of the run at Caxton Theatre should also take a bow, because they helped raise an amazing £1,300 for Women's Aid in Grimsby.

The sheer brilliance of the show was measured by the constant laughter from the generous audience, one or two of whom enjoyed unexpected roles on the stage.

Lead character, Francis Henshall is a cunning, though sometimes forgetful character, excellently played by Stuart Stretton. His adrenaline-fuelled performance is mind-blowing in pace and he has a masterly command of his lines and acting.

He is especially good in the incredible interaction with the audience and that marvellous sketch filled with alliteration. How to conduct a lengthy conversation full of words beginning with the letter 'D' was in itself worth the ticket price.

He has clearly been closely watching the equally-talented David Wrightam playing Charlie Clench, the conniving father of Pauline Clench, who is a pawn in his game and victim to an arranged marriage.

Lily Catley is wonderful as the dim-witted Pauline, who is easily confused. But no wonder when she is promised in marriage to Alan Dangle, well played by Sam Brierley, but then has to be in a marriage of convenience to Rachel Crabbe, who is dressed up to stand in for her murdered brother.

Beth Ramsden, who is his twin, gives a hilariously definitive account of what an identical twin is. And she is adamant she isn't. The show has a complex and funny plot throughout, thanks to the cast who have mastered their lines with perfect timing and projection.

Praise too for Debbie Till, as Dolly the bookkeeper who has the astute feminist outlook to life to attract all the "sisters" in the audience. She has amazing girl power.

Top brief Harry Dangle tries to keep everyone on the right side of the law and he has a total command of his comedy script - much of it in Latin. That is not easy when Dean Wright is the Scouse-enforcer Lloyd Boateng, who organises proceedings and always sees an opportunity for himself. Hats off too for Jack Scott as Gareth and Steve Skipworth as the Alfie the geriatric waiter.

Director Till and the crew have come up with an ingenious way to change the sets on stage by making it part of the comedy play. It is so cleverly done and gave some Caxton stalwarts a share of the glory of One Man Two Guvnors.

Chief officer for Women's Aid in Grimsby, Denise Farman, said: "The Women's Refuge have to do a lot of fund raising for those in the refuge and all survivors. It is vital for us to keep that up and this has been an amazing fundraising event. We all thank The Caxtons and thank you to everyone who has made this charity event so successful."

The must-see show runs every day except Sunday until Saturday, December 7. Tickets cost £9.50 for first Saturday performances and Monday to Friday performances, £10 for second Saturday performances and £8.50 for Monday concessions.

You can purchase your ticket by clicking here.