THE opening of this trio of comedies involved four very different mothers-to-be plus one father at their first Parentcraft class – but they’re short of one midwife.

Moving on to Heavens Above, Sally can’t believe she’s dead, arguing for her right to return to the life she desperately wants back.

With sensitive and emotive subjects, both directors and cast made valiant efforts to breathe life into the poor play material and there were notable performances from Leoni Frendo, Lisa Dunbar, Marilyn Dunbar and Naomi Scott.

Wisely leaving arguably the best of the three plays till the end, Chinamen was a two-handed dinner-party farce vividly brought to life at break-neck speed by real-life couple Gillian and David Wilkins.

With first-rate direction (Matthew Meehan), both created a terrific range of characters, showing excellent comic timing and delivery, David in particular with outstanding physical comedy, ensuring the evening ended on a high note.