IT certainly is 'Comedy Tonight' all the way in this week's Courtyard treat, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum by Hereford Amateur Operatic Society.

It's a tricky piece by Stephen Sondheim and those with a musical ear will enjoy the upbeat jazz numbers which glide easily from one to another.

The plot is something that Frankie Howerd rightly got his hands on in Up Pompeii (a nothing) but it allows for some lovely casting with great character parts: society president Mike Tomkins is back on stage as Senex - a pleasure for all - while Richard Smith as his son, Hero, understands the balance between ham and heroics beautifully.

Hats off to chairman Paul Morris in his dual role of Prologus - who gets things off to a rollicking good start - and Pseudolus, slave to Hero, who is determined to win his freedom.

He's on stage a lot of the time, with a lot to say, and sing, and he works really hard at it.

Patrick Taylor comes to the fore as Hysterium - with a nicely maintained slapstick that evolves into cross dressing with quiet confidence.

Miles Gloriosus - the warrior who turns up to get the virgin - is suitably Lord Percy (there's plenty for Blackadder fans here) and the courtesans and soldiers give it their all.

Director George Powell has brought lots of mischief to the piece, with inspired hobby horses in Act One in danger of stealing the scene.

As always things go with a swing and the tip top orchestra - led by Steve Tommey - plays more than its part in keeping things on track.

Julie Harries