It seems right that award-winning Michael Stewart’s play, The Shadow of your Hand, billed a dark comedy drama, should be presented by the Dark and Dirty Theatre Company.

The play, at Sacha’s Hotel and part of the 24:7 Theatre Festival, is dark because a rich executive brings homeless Maria to his flat, ties her up, gags her and interrogates her.

The dirt comes from the woman herself who has been sleeping rough.

So where is the comedy? Michael Stewart weaves it in subtly, and director, Sue Jenkins’ ensures the players highlight it.

As a result we find ourselves laughing in a gruesome situation.

Most of the humour comes from Steve Pinder, Max Farnham in Brookside, who was born in Whalley and went to school in Rishton.

His widespread stage and screen experience enables him to play Steve, the businessmen with a naivety which contradicts his actions.

Remarks such as “I’m not stupid. I work in advertising” and “I wouldn’t touch you, I’d wear pyjamas” receive well deserved chuckles.

The play is a power struggle between the man and the woman.

Towards the end it would appear the woman is winning.

This is where Rosie Fleeshman comes into her own.

She relates the tale of her horrific childhood and in doing so shows strength.

The interaction between the two is like a frisson of lightening building up to a thunderclap of a fight choreographed by fight director, Kaitlin Howard.

I find the ending puzzling but I wouldn’t like to have missed this professionally crafted play. 24:7 has certainly gone up in the world.

* For more information and to buy tickets, log on to 247theatrefestival.co.uk. The festival continues in various locations until July 29.