TOM Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead was the first time I'd stepped over the Library Theatre's threshold for many a year.

To be honest, I'd forgotten what a fantastic theatre it was.

Although neatly tucked away under the architectural grandeur of Manchester's Central Library, built by Vincent Harris in 1934, its very much one of the jewels in the cultured crown of the city's theatre land.

The 312-seater auditorium was converted from a lecture theatre and staged its first performance in 1952 and has seen many top names perform under its proscenium arch down the years?

Under the experienced wing of Chris Honer, the Library Theatre Company's artistic director, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead propels two minor characters from Shakespeare's Hamlet to centre stage to tell their own story in a three-act spectacle of swift and lyrically crafted dialogue.

In fact, Leigh Symonds, as Rosencrantz, and Graeme Hawley, playing Guildenstern, would be worthy winners for me of any comic double act accolade I've ever seen.

Theirs was a performance as rich and silky smooth as any superior blend of coffee could ever claim.

And with Michael Jenn as the Player and prime mover to a bunch of travelling tragedians, the metaphors flowed thick and fast as the pair are recruited to discover the reason for Hamlet's madness, resulting in their very own demise.

So, what treat has Mr Honer and his team programmed next Running until Saturday, April 14, will be the regional premiere of Chapter Two, a hilarious bittersweet romantic comedy from one of the masters of 20th century American comedy - Neil Simon.

The play will be directed by Roger Haines, whose productions of Neil Simon plays at the library over the years has earned the theatre a first-class reputation for its interpretation of the works of the great playwright.

For the record, Neil Simon cut his comedy teeth as one of the writers on the classic 1950s black-and-white sitcom The Phil Silvers Show, best known as Sergeant Bilko.

Chapter Two tells the story of newly widowed George, an author, who is trying to put his life back together with the help of his brother Leo, a wise-cracking showbiz publicist, after the unexpected death of his wife Barbara.

Keen to help George find a new partner, Leo introduces him to the recently divorced Jennie, an actress.

Decorated with some delicious one-liners, it sounds like another cracking show.

Speaking of mouth-watering.

For those who may venture to Manchester, an all-day breakfast or hot ciabatta sandwich (among other tasty delights available) might be just the ticket to start with at Richard Katsouris deli and café located on the corner of Deansgate (113) and John Dalton Street.

And would you believe Richard gets his coffee from Farrars in Kendal!

For full details of Library Theatre events telephone the box office on 0161-236-7110 or log on to www.librarytheatre.com.