WOLLASTON actor Alan Birch lit up the stage in Opus Theatre Company's production of Going Green - staged at Amblecote's Ruskin Glass Centre.

The dark comedy - by Black Country playwright David Tristram - centres on inspirational Green Party politician John Browne, who must make the difficult decision to literally 'go green or die', and Birch brought the quirky role to life with a wonderful ease.

Best known for his stage and screen role as bumbling crime fighter Inspector Drake - the actor held the audience's attention completely throughout and proved he's more than deserving of his recently obtained Equity card.

As well as directing the piece - Opus Theatre Company founder Gerry Hinks, who has been in Corrie and David Tristram's Insp Drake movies, gave a sterling performance as chauvinistic Green Party chairman Brian, delivering his dry dialogue deliciously and creating some laugh out loud moments in the scenes with overly obedient on-stage wife Christine (played fabulously by Tanya Fellows, who was making a return to the stage after a 20-year break from acting).

Alyson Jones also gave a credible performance as Madeleine - the woman who tries to save the life of MP John Browne whose Parliamentary career is dealt a battering blow when he is diagnosed with a devastating rare disease - the only possible cure for which is to drink medicine that turns his skin green.

Even the supporting role of UK national security chief, Sir Clive, was brilliantly and believably acted by Tom Roberts.

While Perdita Lawton was wonderfully over the top as MP Browne's outrageously self-obsessed girlfriend Laura.

All in all this funny and very well-written original play was both hilarious and thought-provoking - and a genuine joy to watch.

Minimalistic staging worked well and there was spot on comic timing throughout the show which strives to highlight the issue of colour prejudice with wit, humour and warmth.