LIFE is a cabaret — come see the Pepperpot's play!

Curtain Up!, a rivetingly funny and sharp play by Olivier nominated Peter Quilter, follows five women as they try to save their theatre from ruin by hosting a Liza Minelli concert.

The women have inherited equal shares of the theatre from their late father, husband, boss, ex-husband or son — a recipe for disaster.

Tensions quickly rise between the glamorous, fashionable wife, played superbly by Marilyn Mittelheuser, and the slightly bitter ex-wife, a part that Angela Chapple seethed and sulked perfectly.

Daughter Theresa is pulled in every direction as she tries to hold the group together, a role that Jenny Bond deserves an enormous amount of credit for.

The original actress cast as Theresa dropped out due to unforeseen circumstances, but Jenny, a regular in the Pepperpot shows, became the lead last minute and acted her way through the performance calmly and professionally despite the script in hand.

Chrissie Brow did a fantastic job as Sharon, the criminal-loving, diet-skipping ex-assistant, and her odd witty lines were perfectly delivered as she eased every chaotic situation the women found themselves in.

However, in virtue of laughs alone, Denise Farrow as Betty, mum of the deceased, is deservedly branded the star.

Denise's comical and almost slap-stick portrayal of the slightly delirious yet sharp-tongued Betty stole every scene with clever use of physical theatre and mime-like expressions.

Despite the occasional forgotten line and some strained moments, the entire play was extremely enjoyable and dynamically fast-paced.

With unpredictable comic scenes and an element of madness, the actresses seemed to enjoy it as much as the audience.

Those interested can see the comedy this Friday and Saturday night at 7.30pm at Niton Village Hall.