AN apathetic mother and her forlorn daughter brought a wave of bittersweet humour to the Palace Theatre on Tuesday.

Shelagh Delaneys view of female sexuality caused controversy in her debut play A Taste of Honey in 1958, and the essence of its story is still effective in the year of a new millennium.

A wonderful interpretation of a raw and gritty plot was given by the five cast members, who were powerful and evocative in their delivery.

It seems quite remarkable such a story could have been written long before stereotypes of gays and blacks were even thought of.

Ashley Artus, as art student Geoff and Mark Springer as sailor Jimmie performed with confidence and ease, without being over-the-top.

Outstanding performances were given by Gemma Craven and Kaye Wragg as mother and daughter, their on-stage chemistry magnetic with Wragg as the petulant, rejected schoolgirl, Jo, Craven the attention-seeking, promiscuous mother, Helen.

Despite her roguish treatment of her daughter, Helen managed to win over the audience, drawing them in as she did the characters around her.

Attention to detail is imperative for the part of Helen, clinging on to fading looks in a desperate attempt to stop the march of time. Craven achieved this with her non-stop primping and critical, if not a little jealous, digs at her daughter.

Wragg's wonderful facial expressions as hurt child Jo brought home the pain, laughter and fear she was experiencing. There was a definite shift in attitude from the shy but coy virginal teenager to a more cynical, hardened young woman about to embark on motherhood.

She is a child forced to accept the responsibilities of adulthood, mirroring her own mothers actions 20 years before by sleeping with a black sailor, who leaves her pregnant.

Throughout Jos pregnancy, Wragg displayed a vulnerable young woman, unable to care for herself, reaching out for love even more than when she was that feisty child ready to take on the world. In the end, Jo is abandoned by everyone she has loved or tried to love.

Patrick Baladi played the marvellous one-eyed toy-boy, Peter, who sweeps Helen off her feet, re-boosting her confidence and rendering her a giggling, lovesick child.

Baladis performance as the middle-class, rich man was executed with wonderful charisma and he also managed to hint Peter is not all he seems. Peters regression to the drunken, sarcastic, womanising brute in the second act is powerful, as he has fooled not only Helen but managed to take in the audience as well. Playing the drunk can so often end up a disaster but Baladi does so with frighteningly good conviction.

Artus was a brilliant contrast to Baladi, slim in build, softly spoken, gentle and loving. His portrayal of the homosexual who befriends Jo in her time of need was refreshing. His portrayal of Geoff brought home the unconditional nature of his love for Jo.

The one-set play was used well by all cast members and not cluttered with props, which allowed more attention to be given to the acting.

There was great use of music and lighting and a glitter ball for a dream sequence.

A Taste of Honey is at The Palace Theatre Watford at 7.45pm until Friday, November 25. £17. Telephone the box office on 01923 225671.