IT is a particularly British thing, the pier. Originally a way for Victorians to inhale healthy ozone without getting their feet wet, it grew into an entertainment venue as synonymous with seaside holidays as bucket-and-spades and boarding houses.

But the days of the end-of-the-pier show were numbered. The war took its toll along with the lure of newer attractions.

Writer and director John Dane has created a bittersweet tale of pier folk which focuses on three entertainers. The cast of Pier Pressure ? TV personality Ian Stirling, with Andi Higginson and Lloyd Morris, take us back to the 1930?s where an uncertain future faced both performers and piers.

Using a unique mixture of archive film, music, variety songs and mime, John Dane has served up a surrealistic drama that illustrates the waste of war.

?It is about a rather poor stage act,? he says.

?The play is both funny and tragic. What you learn about is how difficult it was for these people. The more difficult the times were the more difficult it became for them. They are on the pier because there is no alternative.?

The story explores the multilayers of human experiences during times of conflict, specially focussing on the comic and tragic breakdown of personal and professional relationships.

Ian Stirling plays the part of George ? one half of the comedy variety act at the Pier Pavilion. But his life is no longer a laughing matter. His wife, believing that the pier is no place to bring up a child, leaves George and the act. Determined to survive George takes on Len, an inexperienced if enthusiastic partner.

The pair soon realise how they are seen in each other?s eyes. And as war threatens everything about their lives is brought to breaking point.

?There is the fascinating division between the real life of the characters and their stage life which we have to show,? says Ian Stirling.

?In the early stages of rehearsals it was difficult because we couldn?t see the thing as a whole. There are lots of impressionistic bits. John had to remind us what would be happening,? he said.

His character, like so many performers in that era, did not have a proper home: ?He went from panto to summer show and panto without a base. It was quite a hard life . . .?

Andi Higginson plays the new partner in the act and is the catalyst.

?All the acts did the same pier every year. The locals came to see you and almost owned you in a way. The theatres came later. The pier was where most of the bad acts stayed. Normally you did your apprentiship and left,? says Andi.

Completing the cast is Lloyd Morris who plays the pianist and musical director ? a Jewish character and, something of an outsider, he is a commentator on the other two.

The show came about by a happy set of circumstances which began when Andi sent John a Christmas card in 2002. Along with the seasonal greetings he wrote: we must do some work together.

?Within three months John had written the script. Then we got an application for funding. Last September we auditioned Lloyd and by November it was full steam ahead.?

John praised the Theatre Royal for being extremely helpful and giving the green light for the production to be in the Drum Theatre.

Already there is a possibility of a tour at the end of the year.

Pier Pressure was premiered in the Drum Theatre, Plymouth last night and runs tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, Box office: (01752) 267222.