AS the nights draw in the Library Theatre's production of The Odd Couple is guaranteed to bring you plenty of autumnal cheer.

Neil Simon's classic tale of two friends, both separated from their wives, pre-dates and outclasses the current crop of urban comedies on TV.

The play takes us into the tidy, pillow-plumping world of Felix, played by Ben Keaton who stars as Spencer in TV's Casualty, and the impact he has on Oscar.

The scruffy, oafish Oscar is played by Peter Polycarpou of BBC's Birds of a Feather fame, and his offer of help to Felix soon turns into a test of his patience.

This hilarious look at friendship, foibles and Linguine crackles along at an incredible pace.

And Simon's brilliant comedy writing gives the actors the chance to deliver some great lines, and sets-up anarchic scenes that fill the stage.

The Odd Couple marks the beginning of the Library Theatre's fiftieth birthday season, and they have produced a fitting play to open the celebrations.

The Library Theatre (0161 236 7110)

Until October 19.