THE Library Theatre brings a tale of anguish and loss amongst three sisters to the stage with The Memory of Water.

But playwright Shelagh Stephenson handles the fears and tears of the women with a light touch and some brilliant black humour.

The action centres around the funeral arrangements at the family home of Mary (Lucy Tregear), Teresa (Meriel Scholfield) and Catherine (Jessica Lloyd) following their mother's death.

As tensions mount and anger seethes under the surface, old scars are opened, lovers judged and memories twisted to cause pain.

But through a slow unravelling of the story, the love the sisters have for each other eventually sees them through their own problems, allowing them to face the world together.

With a strong supporting cast, especially Paul Raffield as Frank, the play is a life-affirming, black comedy that has some sparkling one-liners.

Until April 13.

The Memory of Water

The Library Theatre, Manchester