IT was a dramatic week for Stan Boardman.

The Wirral-based funnyman has created a well-balanced play, managing to create an evening of poignancy and humour.

Not an easy mix. But works very well.

This will show another side to Stan.

Stan and his six-strong crew have produced a drama that is more accomplished than a work in progress.

It is only an hour long but with an extra 15 minutes added it will be a production that could hold its own in any theatre.

It tells the tale of a boxer. The famous, real-life Welterweight champion John H Stracey was an inspiration.

In this fictitious tale he buys a medal at a Birkenhead market.

His son Colin, a cage fighter, is more aggressive than his dad but equally as passionate.

The chemistry between the two characters on stage can be even sharper with some tweaking of dialogue.

The two fighters realise the emotional value of the medal and want to return it to its rightful hero.

They do some detective work looking back through local papers including the Wirral Globe.

And they track down the robbers who broke into a Birkenhead house and stole it from a war hero now in a care home in Heswall.

That is all you need to know.

It is a cracking story told and performed with real conviction.

Just the right hint of sentimentality throughout.

A backdrop of famous war songs adds to the atmosphere on a simple but effective set.

On the first night at Neston British Legion, Micky Finn played hero John Holt.

Illness, however, forced him out of the role for Aigburth.

And with only two hours to go before curtain up Billy Butler stepped in and did a sterling job.

His very versatile wife - actress Lesley Butler - was engaging and warm in two roles.

She was a perfect piece of casting.

The play will only go from strength to strength.

Well done to directo Saul Murphy and the other members of the dedicated cast: Tony Prince, Michael Hawkins and James Spofforth.

Micky is recovering and for another piece of good news ... Stan was presented with his very own National Service medal at the end of the performance.

He had his own medal at last more than 50 years on.

For once a shocked Stan was lost for words in this emotional surprise.

The Medals is a play with vast potential.

Badges of honour all round.

8/10.

There is a final preview performance on Friday, November 27, at the Alameim Barracks, Huyton. It starts at 8pm. Tickets, £10, are from Themedals@hotmail.com or www.ticketsource.co.uk/themedals