Review: Billy Liar *****

Set in 1960, it centres on Billy Fisher, a young man, bored with living at home and stuck in a dull job, who takes refuge in his own invented world.

He lies his way in and out of every situation, frustrating his traditional father and infuriating his overprotective mother, and has managed to get engaged to two girls with one ring while in love with a third. So is it any wonder that Billy's life is spiralling out of control?

To be convincing, Billy Liar needs to have the total look, feel, and passion of the '60s and recreating this era is no mean feat – but it's a feat that the production team have conquered triumphantly.

But it's the pace, sharpness and the in-depth characterisations that set Nick Bagnall's production apart. Billy Liar is a character-led play and this production is blessed with an exceptionally talented cast.

As Billy, Paul-Ryan Carberry gets the balance just right. He injects humour, energy and even pathos in the final moments of this marathon role. There's outstanding character acting from Garry Cooper as the formidable father. Charlotte Mills as Barbara, the orange-eating fiance is so convincingly nave you really want to shake her, while Ann Firbank as Gran, is so natural and gives one of the finest "aged" performances I have seen for a long time.

Billy Liar is a theatrical milestone that should not be missed.

To Oct 2.