PATRONS were treated to a hilarious evening as Frinton Summer Theatre presented Neil Simon’s comedy The Odd Couple.

The Broadway smash was chosen by the repertory theatre for its second play of the season and proved a huge hit with the opening-night audience on Tuesday.

Despite dating from 1965, the excellent play remains funny today, with some very witty one-liners and farcical situations.

It also includes a number of big laughs – mostly at the expense of the annoyingly neurotic Felix Ungar, superbly played by Will Harrison-Wallace, who was returning to the summer theatre following his debut last year in A Match Made in Heaven.

The Odd Couple sees recently divorced, slovenly sports journalist Oscar Madison host a poker night for his friends at his neglected Manhattan apartment.

His close friend Felix is offered a place to stay after arriving late and unsettled after being thrown out by his wife.

But the pair soon discover they make a very odd couple, with little in common other than divorce and poker.

For me, the star of the show was John Guerrasio, who played Oscar and whose every joke was timed perfectly.

Credit goes to also goes to the poker buddies, played by William Meredith, Abram Rooney, Kieron Jecchinis and Chin Nyenwe, who performed exceptionally together, as well the giggly Pigeon sisters, hilariously played by Rachel Heaton and Nesba Crenshaw.

Director Ed Max deserves plaudits for an excellent presentation of the classic comedy, which remained humorous throughout.

Tickets cost from £14 to £20 from the box office on 01255 676656. The play runs at Frinton's McGrigor Hall until Saturday, with evening shows starting at 7.30pm, and Saturday matinee at 3.30pm.

James Dwan