Review: April in Paris ****

APRIL in Paris sees husband and wife John and Jane Godber take centre stage in the revival of the drama, which set out on its maiden voyage 20 years ago.

Godber's play, which has been performed right across the globe, centres around Al and Bet, a couple, who exist in a 25-year-old marriage, bound by familiarity and contempt, where the "ooh la la" has long since departed.

Set against the backdrop of modern-day Hull, the play examines the stresses and strains put on a relationship by redundancy and financial hardship, making Godber's work as relevant today as it was when it was first penned.

A chance competition win of a holiday abroad provides Al and Bet with the opportunity to break this cycle of boredom and bickering and seek fresh horizons.

The couple's exploration of the bright lights of Paris brings them to encounter new experiences and push back the boundaries of their humdrum, everyday lives.

Poignantly, their break in the City of Light also illuminates the cracks in their flagging marriage and anyone that has ever been in a couple will recognise the niggles, missed moments and clumsy attempts at reconciliation that pepper their relationship.

Despite the sadness that lurks within the dark crevices of Al and Bet's marriage, April in Paris is a play that sparkles with comic moments.

Godber's observational humour kept the audience laughing throughout, countering the darker elements of the play and hinting that all is not lost for Al and Bet.

April in Paris. Book your tickets now.

To March 27.