THERE is a wonderful line in Woody Allen's film Annie Hall which goes: "A relationship, I think is like a shark you know? It has to constantly move forward or it dies. And I think what we got on our hands is a dead shark.

This nautical analogy is appropriate when it comes to Bedroom Farce by Alan Ayckbourn as what we have got on our hands is akin to a marital shipping forecast.

The radio announcer would say Here is the shipping forecast for the seas around the coast of the British Isles. This takes in Viking, North Utsire, South Utsire, Forties, Cromarty, Firth, Tyne, Dogger, Fisher German Bight, Humber, Thames, Dover Wight, Portland.....and for those of you on the SS Marriage expect gale force winds followed by calmer waters but with the potent for choppy seas at any time.

In Bedroom Farce there are four Good Ship Marriages and each one is in a state of peril.

One is sailing along fine but hits turbulent waters; one is sailing along steady as she goes; one is taking on water but not seriously while one is currently sinking and the lifeboats have been lowered.

What we witness in Bedroom Farce as presented by Ilminster Entertainment Society is a rock solid ship which is crewed by an experienced cast.

Each couple bringing their own acting craft and sea legs to the show. Ernest (Dave Goodall), Delia (Maggy Goodall) are the anchors around which everything else moves.

Nick (Stephen Todd) and Jan (Kayleigh Partt) give enthusiastic energy, Malcolm (Mick Glynn) and Kate (Irene Glynn) are a strong link between all the chaos and Trevor (Chris Williamson) and Susannah (Silvey Rose Webber) provide the whirlwind of a romantic catalyst and a light touch for farce around which the plot revolves like a merry go round.

Each cast member gives the production a light comedic touch which is needed when delivering a farce.

The plot surrounds each of these couples and focuses on one Saturday evening in their lives and how the rollercoaster of marriage and life takes them on a ride which is powered by their own anxiety, neurosis, guilt, insecurities and dreams.

What we witness thanks to IES is the cracks and crevices of these four relationships exposed to the farce of life.

If you think one of the ships might sink, there is always the SS Hope.

As Susannah (Silvey Rose Webber) says in the last line of the play: "There is nothing to be frightened of." It all depends who you approach and deal with the situaion you face in life.

Get on board this Ilminister Entertainment Society ship and enjoy the play.

Bedroom Farce as presented by the IES is on at The Warehouse Theatre from September 12-15 at 7.30pm each evening.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for students. These can be bought online at thewarehousetheatre.org.uk or at Harimans Menswear, Silver Street, Ilminster.