THE world premiere of Two 2 – Farnworth playwright Jim Cartwright’s sequel to Two – does not disappoint.

Neither does it fall into the trap of some sequels, which attempt to repeat the success of the original by copying.

Yes, there are similarities. It is a two-hander, once again, with the two leads (Corrie’s Katy Cavanagh as ‘landlady’ and the excellent Colin Connor as ‘landlord’) also playing a succession of odd-ball regulars; and the play also repeats that well-trodden mix of bitter-sweet comedy and raw tragedy.

But Two 2 is very much a play for the 21st Century. It is the most interactive work The Octagon has staged to date.

There a pub quiz (the audience is handed answer sheets and pencils at the interval), real life karaoke (which, amazingly, people volunteered for), and a Take Me Out-inspired speed dating sketch.

Even the most curmudgeonly of critics cannot fail to get swept up in this unashamedly northern knees-up.

The play revisits the un-named couple running this un-named boozer, 10 years on from Two.

Modern themes include social media, competition from a nearby gay bar, and crucially, the dying pub trade, around which the play is centred.

The story works on its own, so don’t worry if you haven’t seen the original; the audience is reminded half way through that the couple’s only son died aged seven. In the first play, this is what was driving them apart, and ultimately, what kept them together.

But 10 years on, is that bond still there?

Cavanagh is superb not only as the landlady but as three separate lonely hearts looking for love in the second act. Her skit as a ballet dancing female bouncer early on – one of two character monologues in the sequel – was nicely played, but felt unnecessary in the grand scheme of things.

Connor’s own character monologue in the second act – as a poetry loving karate tutor – again felt out of place, but was nevertheless expertly portrayed.

But these are minor grumbles in what was a snappy, feel good comedy drama.

The duo who so lovingly revived the original pub soap opera at The Octagon last month have repeated their success with the sequel.

Jim Cartwright has done it again. Get that man a drink.