SALE playwright, Stanley Houghton’s Hindle Wakes, at the Garrick, never loses its charm.

The plot revolves around Fanny a turn-of-the last century lass with 21st century ideas.

Megan Johnstone is feisty in the role. Her character spends a naughty weekend in Llandudno with the mill owner’s son, Alan Jeffcote.(Adam Gonet).

Fanny just enjoys it and doesn’t have the slightest desire to marry Alan even though both sets of parents think she should.

The cast underline the down-to-earth and unbending attitudes of both families who say what they think with authentic Lancashire accents.

There is lots to laugh at and, under Carole Carr and Val Watkinson’s winning co-direction, the production reflects life in 1910.

Charlie Tomlinson is unbending in his role of Alan’s father, Nathaniel. In an exceptional performance, he lays down the law.

Fanny’s parents are equally resolute, especially Aidan Keilty’s Christopher, an old friend of Nathaniel.

The parts of their wives are a credit to Janet Slade as Mrs Hawthorn and Carmel Bird as Mrs Jeffcote.

Fanny’s passing fancy, Adam Gonet’s Alan Jeffcote, who also has a fiancée, Beatrice (Rachel Isbister), is a bit of a drip.

Megan Johnstone comes into her own at the end when Fanny puts her foot down.

Set designer Margaret Norris’s shaping of the Jeffcote’s Breakfast Room is praiseworthy as are lighting designer Geoff Scullard’s gas lamps.

If nothing else, the play confirms the old adage “There’s nowt so queer as folk.”

• Hindle Wakes is at the Garrick Playhouse, Altrincham until February 6. For tickets, telephone 0161 928 1677 or book on line at altrinchamgarrick.co.uk. Star rating: * * * *