Thembones, Mr Kyps, Lower Parkstone

IT would be hard to argue with the premise of this ambitious community production: respect life.

As dazed and confused youths tell us they "hate history", an elderly man and his grandson visit a recently occupied grave, to pay respects to a loved one.

Somewhere between delivering a message that is too close to the bone for the intimately seated many, this production manages to hoist out the humour, pepper it with pathos and then, just when you least expect it, riddle us with the ridiculous.

The lively show, which brings to fruition the words of Bournemouth writer Vince Paxton's script, is an explosion of energy, bringing together elements of musical theatre, legend and community spirit.

An unusual show to say the least... and I haven't even mentioned Laurel and Hardy.