Vacant Possessions, a new work written and directed by Ray Brown, is a gentle and ironic comedy. The two characters in the play couldn’t be more different. Joe Sweeting (Geoffrey Wilkinson) is an eccentric old soldier given to collecting bric-a-brac and holding prejudiced views. Into his life comes the young Gary Roebuck (Jamie Smelt) who is nervous whilst claiming socialist, pacifist and indeed feminist views. Gary’s need to buy the house which Joe has put up for sale is the reason for the two meeting. Their contrasting philosophies of life spark off a series of witty conversations. Despite the clash in outlook, the two men become friends. Joe eventually agrees to sell but he needs Gary to ditch his principles and help him commit suicide. To reveal whether they succeed or not would be to spoil the ending. Entertaining, with Geoffrey Wilkinson and Jamie Smelt convincingly bringing their characters to life. ***