The People's have chosen a riotous farce

CROSS DRESSING, mistaken identity and fraud. Edinburgh People's Theatre look to Michael Cooney, son of the famous actor and playwright Ray Cooney, creator of West End hit Run For Your Wife, to provide the laughs in their latest production, the riotous farce Cash On Delivery, which opens at the Church Hill Theatre next week.

Cooney, who co-wrote a farce with his son Michael - Tom, Dick and Harry - appeared in many of the Whitehall farces of Brian Rix throughout the Fifties and Sixties. Together with Tony Hilton, he co-wrote the screenplay for the British comedy film What a Carve Up! (1961), featuring Sid James and Kenneth Connor.

EPT continue the tradition. Imaginary friends. There's nothing wrong with having one, is there? But six? That's the problem facing Eric Swan.

The thing is, with half a dozen lodgers, Eric should have a full house. Unfortunately, they're all make-believe and he doesn't. Which really is a problem as, aided by his Uncle George and unbeknown to his wife Linda, he has been pocketing thousands of pounds in fraudulent DSS payments for them for the last two years.

The pressure on Eric really ratchets up, however, when Norman Bassett (his only real lodger) opens the door to Mr Jenkins, and unwittingly admits the wily DSS inspector into the house. In a desperate attempt not to get caught, Eric finds himself having to bring his bogus residents to life.

Enlisting the help of Norman, deceptive mayhem follows – as do an undertaker, a bereavement counsellor, a psychiatrist, Norman's fiancee, a corpse, as well as the ominous Ms Cowper and a rather rebellious washing machine.

Meanwhile, Eric's frantic wife Linda consults Dr Chapman regarding the discovery of her husband's bra, corset and stockings – all part of his swindling activities.

It's a farce, in every sense of the word.

Cash On Delivery, Church Hill Theatre, Morningside Road, Wednesday-Saturday, 7.30pm, 9, 0131-668 2019