TAKE two brothers, a bogus Major, a landlady with romantic inclinations and a bobby straight off the beat in a proper helmet and cape - add a plot that twists and turns with increasing confusion and hilarity and time becomes relative... two hours that pass in no time at all.

The comedy drama showing at the Grand this week is a delight; a play that begins, develops and concludes with a satisfactory ending and a laugh a minute - a refreshing change.

Evelyn (odd name for a boy) and Rupert are estranged twins and identical; the former an out-of-work actor, the latter wealthy and successful.

Murder and mayhem ensues when one hires an assassin to dispose of the other, devising a cunning plan, a counter plan and a counter-counter plan that keeps the audience on its toes and the laughter coming.

The cast of five delivers the crisp dialogue with the ease of seasoned actors; the characterisations utterly convincing and the timing spot on.

The split-stage set moves the action along, the lack of curtained changes a bonus and the nostalgic 30s soundtrack adds to the feel of the piece.

Perhaps the quips, jokes, allusions to the1936 abdication, two bob for a taxi and a packet of Craven A might be lost on the young but the "adult" audience on Tuesday night were with it all the way and left the theatre buzzing with comment and smiles of approval.

"Corpse" is a thoroughly enjoyable experience - a murder with mirth - and runs until Saturday.

Not to be missed!

Corpse, Grand Theatre:17-22 March