It was an eagerly-awaited event in the world of local theatre – the moment Hull Truck's creative director John Godber took to the stage alongside his wife, Jane, for the first time in 18 years.

The pair were reprising their roles as married couple Al and Bet in the comedy drama April In Paris, which was written and first performed at the Spring Street venue, in 1992.

The play tells the story of an unemployed builder and his wife in a dysfunctional, childless marriage, who win a holiday to Paris for one night. The couple leave their Yorkshire home and embark on their first adventure abroad, learning about the sights, food and culture of our neighbouring country and learning more about themselves and their own marriage en route.

The characters are certainly easy to warm to and I'm sure many in the audience could relate to certain aspects of their personalities and predicament.

The play is brilliantly written with much hilarity throughout and yet tinged with a bittersweet edge as you feel for this middle-aged couple who feel lost and trapped in a miserable existence. It's easy to see why April In Paris gained a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Comedy Of The Year and enjoyed a successful run in the West End, with Gary Olsen and Maria Friedman in the starring roles.

This production is still as relevant today as when it was first performed 18 years ago, tackling issues of redundancy, money worries and the desire to explore the outside world.

The set started off very basic, in traditional Hull Truck style, with a table, chairs and the grey walls of the home, which easily doubled up as the ferry scene for the outward journey. But in the second half, the curtain was raised to a collective cry of "oohs" and "ahhs" as an impressive backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe and Moulin Rouge was revealed.

John and Jane's performances were both moving and hilarious and it's a relief they had such fondness for the characters Al and Bet, that they chose to bring them back to the stage themselves at Hull Truck's new home.

April In Paris is at Hull Truck Theatre, Ferensway, Hull, until March 27, 7.30pm. 2pm matinees on Wednesday, March 17 and Saturday, March 27. Tickets cost £11-£20. Call (01482) 323638