If you fancy a riotously funny plot, laden with a heady mixture of identical twins, mistaken identities, not to mention unrequited love, bungling policemen, scheming suitors and sharp-witted servants, that races along to an astonishing climax, then First Team Theatre is staging the very thing,

"Many people will probably not have heard of Carlo Goldoni's The Venetian Twins but we're convinced we have unearthed a neglected gem," said First Teamer, Neil Metcalfe, who dons doublet and breeches as Tonino, in the comedy playing at Barrow's Forum 28, tonight (Friday, 8pm).

"You can almost trace the roots of panto to this piece, there are so many asides.

"Its great for the audience, not quite behind you' but not subtle either," tells the Ulverston property lawyer, frazzled at the frantic pace of rehearsals.

Written in the mid-18th century, the play caused a sensation when it was first presented.

Gone were the traditional masks of the highly-stylised Comedia del Arte with the actors appearing as real flesh-and-blood characters.

First Team hopes to establish a regular season of plays and build on the success of Rumors in 2001, the company's last major presentation at the Forum and Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre.

And, according to Neil, this modern and supremely witty translation by Frederick Davies has lost nothing of the flavour and sheer vitality of the original - performed by a popular and highly experienced cast under the expert guidance of director Julie Lloyd: "Today's audiences will revel in the sheer pleasure of witnessing a classic costume comedy performed in an innovative and atmospheric in the round' setting."

Among the 12-strong performers in the spotlight are Andrew Barrow as Pancrazio, Steve Carrick (Florindo) and Lesley Skelton as Rosaura, plus newcomer Richard Martindale, playing Zanetto, Tonino's twin brother. Even fellow cast members have been unable to tell them apart: "It's uncanny," jokes Neil.

Swordfights, live music courtesy of students and staff at Dowdales College of Performing Arts, as well as sighing lovers and jealous rivals, all set in Verona.

"Forget what's going on in the world for a night, just come and have a laugh. Its a romp," says Neil.

Box office 01229-820000.

February 6, 2003 10:30