JUST over five months ago I had my first taste of what life in Soho was like “when you could find yourself drunk, penniless and alone on less than a pound”.

Hereford's Powell Theatre, on Church Street was the venue for Exit Fool Productions' performance of Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell, coming to Hereford for the first time under the direction of Antony Jenkins after local theatre group Exit Fool Productions obtained the rights to perform it.

So when it was announced that the show would be returning to the city for two nights at the Courtyard, I didn't hesitate to secure my spot for a second viewing.

What is really staggering about the show - even more so after seeing it again - is that one man can remember so many lines.

Robert Traynor is the star as Jeffrey Bernard, the 'gambler, womaniser and chronic drunk' columnist on whom the show is based.

But he also has bags of charm and a witty sense of humour and while delivering his lines with ease, Robert Traynor manages to present Jeffrey as a lovable rogue.

He's supported by four other talented cast members, who smoothly switch between the roles of Jeffrey’s former editors, friends, wives and other blasts from the past.

The play's title actually refers to the magazine's habit of printing a one-line apology on a blank page when Jeffrey was either too drunk or hung-over to write his piece and a substitute could not be found.

It's a show that has cat racing (you'll find yourself standing up in your seat so you don't miss the action, even though the cats are invisible), a pub trick involving a glass of water, matchbox, egg and shoe, and a whole load of hilarious anecdotes.

There's moments of sadness but also moments when the belly laughs really set in in and it would be a real shame to miss.

Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell is at the Courtyard this evening (Friday), tickets cost £10 and can be bought here: http://www.courtyard.org.uk/events/jeffery-barnard-is-unwell/