Darling Buds star's play steps out in Cheltenham (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Darling Buds star's play steps out in Cheltenham

YOU find it a toe-tapping experience when you see Stepping Out which is at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham until March 26.

Written by Richard Harris (Outside Edge, The Darling Buds of May) the show serialises the ins and outs of a weekly Thursday night adult tap class.

From the ex-pro dancer who teaches the class, to the middle aged woman who uses it as therapy and the lonely man who needs the company, the nine tappers represent all ages, shapes and walks of life.

As they tap, step; tap,step, shuffle, hop, step in an effort to dance their troubles away, their lives, loves and slightly questionable dance moves are played out too.

From their rather hopeless beginnings to their glittering opening night their dedication, hard work, training and fun all come together to form a comedy kick-line.

East Enders' star Patsy Palmer takes the lead role of Mavis Turner, the ex-pro dancer desperately trying to teach the group.

She became a household name as the feisty Bianca and has recently made her acclaimed musical debut in Tell Me On a Sunday by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Stepping Out won the prestigious Evening Standard Award for best comedy when it was first staged in 1984.

It was made into a hugely successful film starring Julie Walters, Liza Minelli and Shelley Winters in 1991 and returned to the stage as a musical in 1998.

Tickets from the box office on 01242 572573 or www.everymantheatre.org.uk