STAND by for a roller-coaster ride as Malcolm and Kate get ready for their housewarming party.

You'd think this would be happy occasion but Alan Ayckbourn's comedy manages to wheedle out all those little human foibles that come to the fore in moments of stress.

Bedroom Farce enjoyed a record-breaking run back in the 70s, and not surprisingly has been a popular choice for theatre companies ever since.

It offers the spectacle of three bedrooms in three separate houses linking four couples wading through one problem relationship after another. Ernest and Delia are celebrating their anniversary with pilchards in bed after a disastrous meal out.

Malcolm, an inept DIY enthusiast and his wife Kate, are in their bedroom expecting their housewarming to go with a swing.

Nick has pulled his back and has to lie motionless in bed and listen to wife Jan discussing Trevor and Susannah whose marriage appears to be on the rocks.

Trevor is the son of Ernest and Delia, who would have preferred him to marry Jan rather than the neurotic, hysterical Susannah.

It's clear that on this night, no one is going to get much sleep.

The timing of Bedroom Farce in RAODS's production calendar is by happy coincidence almost 70 years to the day since the society was formed in October 1934.

RAODS's Janet Courtice says: "What better way to celebrate another milestone in the company's history than with an acclaimed comedy by one of our best-loved playwrights."

The show is directed by Ken Spencer, his first for RAODS, yet he brings a wealth of experience to the group, having directed many other shows, including several Ayckbourns for local amateur groups.

The Plaza, Romsey. Tuesday to October 9. Performances: 7.30pm. Tickets: from £4. Box office: 01794 512987.