DO you believe words can kill? Imagine being a theatre critic reviewing a play about a theatre critic being murdered for his murderous reviews?

That's what happened at Blackpool Grand Theatre this week as the play, within a play, within a play, Who Killed 'Agatha' Christie? opened on Monday (April 29).

Notorious hardman George Sewell stars with the light-footed Lionel Blair and they both enjoy a change of character as George becomes the wronged playwright and Lionel the poisonous reviewer.

Tempers fly, and twist after turn unfolds, in this surprisingly humorous tale with some obvious outcomes and some not. But was there any need for the comment "You reviewers are an ugly lot." Mr Blair is accomplished as the arty critic Arthur Christie (Agatha or Agi to his friends) even though he is half expected to break into a dance routine at any moment.

But George is exceptional as tortured soul John Terry with perfect comic timing and a quiet menace which never tipped into hammy overacting.

And that's not just to save my skin.

Who Killed 'Agatha' Christie, written by Tudor Gates and directed by Howard Ross, runs at Blackpool Grand Theatre until Saturday (May 5) at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Call the box office on (01253) 290190 for tickets from £10.