Many readers, like myself, may have recently seen another amateur dramatic company's production of this play. But it's worth seeing the Loft's own version.

Brutally honest and starkly frank, audience members are spared no nastiness or bitterness in this grim Irish tale of human relationships.

Fed-up Maureen (Mary MacDonald) continues to lead her thankless life of caring for her miserable and childlike mother Mag (Wendy Morris). Her one chance of happiness with the charming Pato (Tom O'Connor) - who gives her the dreamy title of the 'Beauty Queen' - is clawed away, leading events to grow darker and meaner still.

But the four-strong cast do a fantastic job of shining a light on the humanity and vulnerability of each character. Sarcasm, dry wit and a little bit of toilet humour bring many laughs to the fore, leaving us with a sense that despite life's cruelties, the world still goes round and people get on with it.

The intensity of the dialogue and clever use of lighting and sound effects - particularly the ominous wedding bells that Maureen will never get to claim for herself - trap the audience's attention.

Sundari Sankar

Verdict: Real life on stage.