4 Memories: Gilli Thompson, Anna Rhodes, Kate Reid and Vanessa Balance in the latest Mad Dogs production. Photograph by Rachel Hall.

THIS week's offering from Hereford-based company Mad Dogs could not be more different from its earlier success of the year, Godspell.

In Shelagh Stephenson's poignant piece, Memory of Water, the dynamics of family life are dissected in the wake of a mother's death.

Three sisters unite in a one-set drama that dredges up all the neurosis of previous years - the older, worthy sister who feels like she carries all the burden; the clever middle sister who has resentment heaped on her; the flighty younger sister, who no-one listens to.

The suspension of post-death limbo is well-portrayed by an able cast of six and the various emotional quagmires that arise are well pointed by director Colin Thompson.

By the end of act one the sisters are smoking spliffs and drinking whisky out of the bottle, though the camaraderie cannot last and, pretty soon, they are back at one other's throats.

In a play that will make you laugh, and sigh, there are no stars. Vanessa Balance puts in a fine performance as the high achieving Mary, and Anna Rhodes (Teresa) and Kate Reid (Catherine) fly above and below her in exploring their more tumultuous characters.

Both men - Andy Smith (Mike) and Paul Rhodes (Frank) - add to the recipe with sensitive characterisations of men on the edge of a volcano.

See A Memory of Water at The Powell Theatre, Church Street, Hereford, until Saturday (7.45pm). Tickets are available from Paperback Exchange and on 01432 851050.

Julie Harries