AS if Christmas itself isn’t bad enough, Alan Ayckbourn adds a supernatural twist to this bittersweet comedy.

The appearance of Beth’s late husband Gordon, somehow summoned back by a Christmas Eve prayer, is too much even for his long-suffering and not very mournful widow, Beth.

Add visits by Beth’s boozy sister-in-law Connie, son Martin and his odd girlfriend Ella and the mix is ripe for a festive explosion.

Dorchester Drama has crowned its 50th anniversary year with this outstanding production.

Directors Paul Lawless, who pops up as a policeman, and Richelle Khan – stepping in at short notice because of illness as Ella – deserve so much of the credit for this highly enjoyable show. They successfully find the balance between laugh aloud comedy and the darkness that lies beneath the surface of these mostly ludicrous characters.

Stella Hollis is perfect as the patient, exasperated and sharply funny Beth.

Sarah Hayes turns in a terrific performance as Connie, revealing flickers of jealousy and weakness as the drinking proves to be a problem for all.

Ashley Newman portrays Martin as a loving and well-meaning son, but also a man who has major problems with relationships – a tricky mix that he does well.

The vicar is of the soppy and awkward type, nicely captured by Anthony Atkins, while Nick Heape generates humour from the hugely irritating Gordon.

It is a strong cast, well supported technically – Jonathan Reeve does sterling service with light and sound – to do full justice to Ayckbourn’s jaundiced view of a family Christmas.

Life and Beth is at the Sunninghill Community Hall in Dorchester until tomorrow, Saturday. D.A.