A serious amount of toe-tapping can be heard emanating from Workington's Theatre Royal as the Playgoers perform their latest feel-good play, Stepping Out by Richard Harris.

Written in the 1980s, there are some wonderful reminders of the period with touches such as leg warmers, hairstyles and the blissful omission of mobile technology.

Yet the underlying issues of the plot are still just as relevant today, as people from different walks of life, step out to the tap class for very different reasons, and are able to unite through a common love of dance.

This play has won awards for comedy, and each character delivers laugh out loud lines. But the mannerisms of the characters had me in stitches too.

This is especially true of no airs and graces Sylvia, played by Alyson Douglas, who does an amazing job of portraying a learner tap dancer, and comes with an endless supply of chewing gum and attitude.

Pat Brinicombe, director, played Rose in the 1993 version that the Playgoers did. Though the very obvious difference between then and now is in the audience turnout.

In the 90s Pat said queues for the show stretched down Washington Street and 'house full' signs were needed outside the theatre for the entire week. But now bookings are low. She hopes that people will be tempted to come for a night out, have a drink and enjoy a live performance, which surely has the edge on anything that the TV or social media can offer.

Janet Whitehead also appeared in the 1993 production, in the role of Maxine, and now takes the part of no nonsense and grumpy pianist Mrs Fraser. In a complete coincidence her actual grand daughter, Emma Morgan, plays the part of Maxine in this 2019 production.

This is not the only family connection. In one poignant scene Jo Ritson, who plays former professional dancer and class tutor Mavis, is in the church hall and dances when she thinks she is alone. Her hopes and aspirations to be a dancer from a young age are conveyed through an expertly performed routine by Jo and real life daughter, nine year old Abbie Ritson.

Jo also choreographed all the dancing in the show and is perfect for the role of Mavis.

Pat said: "The cast thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learned to tap dance in just a couple of months. Jo Ritson did the coaching and plays the dance coach. We see different women with different tensions coming together."

The seven women and one man are invited to take part in a charity gala. Sit back and enjoy their journey as the group strives for dancing perfection in time for the gala, while juggling the rigours of everyday life.

Stepping Out runs until Saturday April 6 at Theatre Royal, Workington. Performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets, at £11.50 (£10.50 concessions), are available online at http://www.theatre-royal-workington.co.uk/stepping-out/ or on the door, or by leaving a message on 01900 603161.