One For The Road, Frinton Summer Theatre, until July 13.

FRINTON Summer Season got off to a flying start this week with a hilarious rendition of Willy Russell’s One for the Road.

The McGrigor Hall saw its largest ever season opening night for the comedy, set on a bland housing development in northern England in the Eighties.

The perceptive play examines the life of Dennis as the 35-year-old tries to escape his estate, the neighbours and birthday gifts he despises and a middle class existence he never imagined for himself.

Credit goes to the brilliant Patrick Knowles, playing lead character Dennis, who excellently blended laughter and despair in equal measure and provided a perfectly-timed delivery of the script’s sharp quips and one-liners.

Knowles was aptly supported by Verity Kirk, playing his wife Pauline, and Paul Joseph and Tanya Loretta Dee, playing snobbish neighbours Roger and Jane.

All four worked excellently off each other to create a delightful cacophony of silliness that had the audience in stitches.

Plaudits also go to director Vivienne Garnett, who will take the show to London’s Jermyn Street Theatre following its run in Frinton.

One for the Road runs in Frinton until Saturday. Tickets are available from the box office on 01255 676656.