The delayed 'Are You Being Served?' finally took to the stage in Denton, performed by the Denton West Amateur Dramatic Society. Tameside Radio presenter Alex B Cann went along to have a watch...

It’s a very British tale, filled with farcical humour, double entendres and cracking one liners, and this excellent cast more than did it justice!

The jokes about Mrs Slocombe’s pet came thick and fast, and Sue Stagg was outstanding as the wig-wearing cat owner looking for sunshine and sangria during the department store team’s trip to a shoddy one star hotel in sunny Spain that was still being built.

Each character brought something unique to the party. From Lorraine Hall’s Spanish waitress on the run from lusty Don Bernado (Nigel Slater in fine Andrew Sachs channelling form) to Mike Lawlor as Captain Peacock trying to keep his troops in order, I loved every moment. 

Bev Bertenshaw had me in stitches as Miss Brahms, and mentions too for Gareth Jones as a brilliant Mr Lucas, Tony Thompson playing a wonderful Mr Rumbold, Des Hague as the revolutionary Cesar and Brian Goodwin as the big cheese Mr Grainger. 

Not forgetting Cameron Kennedy playing Mr Humphries to perfection (“I’m free!”), Cavan Slate as Mr Grace and the visiting customers played by Carol Ross and Dave Ellis.

Everyone was clearly loving being back on stage after so long, and it showed in the note perfect performances. 

I loved the dancing sequence, the running jokes around the toilet with no lock, and the general sense of chaos brought to life on stage. 

The set looked great, and the audience’s laughter rang around Denton West Community Centre.

I can’t wait to see the society’s next production, and the tongue-in-check double entendres were perfect for a Saturday evening. I even won the Roses in the raffle! 

Bravo to all involved behind the scenes too, as the set looked brilliant, especially the opening scene involving a string of people arriving in the lift!

I’m also told that the production raised a phenomenal £1,125 from its three night run, with that money being donated directly to Denton West Community Centre to help with its running costs.

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