Gritty festive comedy set in busy hospital Â

In Christmas Crackers by John Godber (pictured), it's Christmas and early morning outside a hospital A & E department. Security guard Keith (Phil Eardley) sees patients come and go but his thoughts are with recently-widowed nurse Kath (Michelle Cook).

Kath finds two plane tickets to Prague in her handbag and decides to take a younger nurse, Hollie, on a festive getaway. How will Keith correct her misunderstanding?

Director Steve Eddison said:'Christmas Crackers is not a comedy for the fainthearted. Although I imagine working nights in the A&E department of a large, northern hospital at Christmas isn't for the fainthearted either.

'But then as scary security guard Keith says, 'There's beauty here, you know'¦Â you just have to look for it.'

'So, like the NHS performs miracles on behalf of the nation's health, the entire team have applied great skill and tirelessness to bring this gritty comedy to life'

 Christmas Crackers is at the theatre in Nether Edge until Saturday. Tickets: www.thelanternsheff.ticketsource.co.uk or 0114 255 1776.