The Day The Earth Wobbled, East Anglian Daily Times

They came from outer space... possibly via Toys R Us.

Eastern Angles' homage to the Fifties sci-fi B-movie is, quite simply out-of-this-world - a fantastic comedy ca-per littered with suspicious-looking props (is that a space hopper?) and some dangerously funny lines.

Enticed with a promise that we can "rocket into new worlds of excitement", the audience on the sell-out first night made the Earth wobble a bit more with gales of laughter and enthusiastic participation.

Writer and director Julian Harries, who has penned a number of the hugely successful Angles' Christmas Shows, uses his highly-developed sense of the completely and utterly daft to wonderful effect, and the small troupe of supremely talented actor musicians throw themselves into the action with enormous, almost reckless energy.

Like so many sci-fi stories of its ilk, this one begins with a man desperately trying to flag down a car, caught in the oncoming headlights. It is none other than our dashing hero, first class cricketer the handsome Bruce Merritt. Lured to a top secret psychic intelligence facility on the Suffolk coast -"there be strange goings-on in them parts" - Bruce promptly falls in love with the Professor Honeytuft's feisty daughter Sally - and seeing her clad in a black cat-suit you can understand why.

Bruce is being watched with interest by aliens from the distant planet Melamine 3 who are seeking a perfect specimen of manhood and with highly-advanced weaponry like the ultrasonic molecular resonator at their disposal, they are not easily put off. Before the inevitable romance can get started the Melamites whisk Bruce away and Sally sets off across the galaxy in hot pursuit.

As the clever plot unfolds, there are a number of delicious surprises including a terrific twist in the tale.

Edward Jaspers gives a fine central performance as the very fanciable Merritt and Christine Holman is equally impressive as the gorgeous clarinet and sax-playing Sally.  Much of the fun comes from the use of the movie genre and the show oozes with tantalising references such as the requisite eerie music and alien costumes reminiscent of early episodes of Star Trek.

Camp? Absolutely, and the wonderful Greg Wagland as a faintly gruff Melamite Sabina made the most of the opportunities offered by his glitter wig, short

skirt and sparkly tights. Plaudits for the most demanding costume change go to the excellent Sean McLevy whose appearance as the alien queen is one of the highlights of the evening. Splendid throughout, Jane Millman is the Russian defector Ivana who works with the professor and also leads the alien invasion as Commander Impala. 

The set, props and lighting evoke create exactly the right atmosphere and Pat Whymark's music is superb. The rock 'n' roll number Sidecar Sally and Ivana's heartfelt I Gave My Heart to an Englishman are especially memorable.

Eastern Angles has once again served up the perfect accompaniment to the festive season.

Lynne Mortimer, EADT