CHRISTIAN Rodska, playing Alan Bennett in Untold Stories, is quite simply outstanding.

The first half - Hymn - is a melancholy look at how music shaped the young Alan's life.

It is testament to Rodska's skill as an actor that he was able to keep the audience in the palm of his hands with no set and just a string quartet as his supporting cast.

The second half - Cocktail Sticks - takes more of a wry look at the 'ordinary' lives of Alan's parents, and how he eventually came to terms with his childhood.

Not only did he master what must have been reams of lines - he was the only character who did not leave the stage once in the second half - but he delivered them with complete conviction, taking the audience through laughter, tears and everything in between.

A supporting cast, some playing several characters each, were also superb, and there can't have been a dry eye in the house when the story of Walter and Lilian Bennett reached its denouement.

If Alan Bennett - who penned the play - saw this version of Untold Stories I'm certain he would be impressed.

The play is on at the Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness, until October 4. Contact the box office on 08445-040 604.