Popcorn, at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton. . .

IT'S funny, thought-provoking, surreal and at times shocking.

The Octagon's got a winner on its hands with this production based on the Ben Elton novel.

Inspired by movies such as Natural Born Killers, Popcorn is the tale of a film director whose controversial works suddenly turn into a real life nightmare.

Popcorn is an exploration of censorship, violence in films, the power of TV and a host of other modern phenomena.

At its heart are Wayne and his girlfriend Scout. This modern-day Bonnie and Clyde with psychotic tendencies decide to call on the director whose films they love. Cue more bloodshed and a thoroughly absorbing evening's entertainment.

But don't be put off by the dark subject matter. There are genuine belly laughs among the satire and some astounding performances.

If Juliette Goodman as Scout doesn't get nominated for something then there's no justice. A Beverley Hillbilly with an Uzi, she was fantastic. As indeed were the rest of the cast including Leigh Symonds as the monstrous Wayne, Rebecca Blake as the centrefold model and would-be actress Brooke Daniels and Sean O'Callagan as director Bruce del Amitri.

Popcorn is a play for grown-ups. You can spot Ben Elton's handiwork throughout, particularly with the savagery of the wit and the surreal one-liners.

It's rare for subjects such as mass murder and senseless violence to be portrayed in such an entertaining manner - and that's what makes the whole thing so effective. You'll come away laughing and thinking at the same time.

Popcorn runs until April 24. Call the box office on 01204 520661.

JOHN ANSON