CHARACTERISED as Beckett meets Bill and Ted, Horse Country is an absurd, hysterical and provocative take on late 20th Century culture from one of America's leading new writers, C.J. Hopkins.

On stage at the Brewery Arts Centre next Wednesday (8pm), it begins as banter between Bob and Sam, two seasoned comedy pros, but fast develops into a relentless examination of society's behaviour, values and beliefs.

As Bob and Sam slump at a table their discussion switches from card games to fishing trips to talking seal acts. Yet everything the side-splitting twosome touch takes on a deeper, darker and more urgent meaning.

A sell-out triumph at last year's Edinburgh Festival, the dark comedy was awarded the ultimate accolade of Best of the Fringe Firsts by The Scotsman newspaper and highly-recommended as "a substantial piece of theatre; sharp, brilliant and intense."

Directed by John Clancy, Horse Country features David Calvitto (who landed The Stage Best Actor 2002 for Horse Country) as Bob and Ben Schneider as Sam.

The following Saturday night is laugh a minute night' as The Comedy Store Players, famed for their quick wit and amazing improvisations, play the Kendal arts centre on February 22 (8pm).

Since 1985 the players have been the resident improvisation group at London's famous Comedy Store, appearing twice weekly and wowing audiences with a bottomless supply of surreal sketches, dramatic vignettes and almost tuneful operettas. Apart from a couple of outdoor performances, the comical crew are almost exclusive to Comedy Store.

Because each show is unscripted and completely improvised from audience suggestions on the night, no two performances are the same. Apparently, shows can contain strong language and are recommended for ages 12 upwards.

For further details contact the box office on 01539-725133.

February 13, 2003 10:30