WHATEVER happened to the banjo belonging to John Lennon's mum Julia?

It was the inspirational instrument on which she taught her son to play music.

That is the question at the core of Rob Fennah's comedy play based on the book originally titled Julia's Banjo, written by Rob and Helen A. Jones in 2012.

Prolific Rob and respected producer Bill Elms have turned it into an engaging theatre production and a formidable flock of actors work hard to bring alive this semi-fact, semi-fiction caper.

When gentle Beatles tour guide Barry Seddon (Eric Potts) - a veritable Moptop mastermind - finds a letter written in 1962 by John Lennon to Stuart Sutcliffe he attempts to unravel the whereabouts of the banjo - missing for 60 years - through a series of surreal clues.

I was a bit bemused that he didn't take better care of the note (always folded in his pockets) since that, too, would be a piece of historic memorabilia and worth a fortune.

His Scouse Sherlock partners in this Ealing comedy-type plot are the disillusioned co-owners of a Beatle souvenir shop Joe (Mark Moraghan) and Steve (Jake Abraham).

Mark and Jake have strong on-stage chemistry with sharp double-act timing. They double up on various cameos.

Fellow Royal Court stalwart Alan Stocks adds to the list of hapless characters as cynical coach driver Sid.

His facial expressions - as always - speak volumes.

Another local favourite, Lynn Francis, plays level-headed but besotted-with-Barry Brenda who runs the Atlantic pub.

The farce-like scenario gets complicated when a conniving Texan (Danny O'Brien) overhears Barry's plan and the possibility of mega bucks makes him convince his wife Stephanie Dooley into leading them both on a long and winding road of skulduggery.

A second half silly panto chase into the audience involving visiting American henchmen at the behest of Roy Carruther's JR-like Texan antique dealer could be dropped without losing the steady pace of the two-and-a-half hour production directed by Mark Heller.

This trans-Atlantic part of the play certainly over dominates proceedings when the relationship between Barry and Brenda has so much rich comic and emotional potential.

One-time Beatle Pete Best was so impressed with the original book he agreed to play himself for a few performances (the next on May 5).

It provides a rare acting opportunity for the consistently touring drummer.

With such a strong musical thread it could work well as an all-out musical.

Rob and his equally talented brother Allan provide some lovely Beatle-esque banjo 'Soundcape' arrangements.

It is clear from the sparkling opening scene that everyone - the audience included - wants this home-grown creation to succeed.

With some plot re-tuning this affable comedy play could well have a Fab future.

A merry mythical history tour - three and a half stars

The show's run ends on May 5

Tickets from the Epstein Box office on 08448884411