Jack, an idealistic art teacher, has a breakdown and walks out on his family. His wife Sally then writes a best selling comedy book full of unflattering portraits of him. As this couple struggles with Sally’s new fame and Jack’s marginalisation, it is impossible to take sides: we feel for the publicly humiliated Jack, and cheer for Sally’s accomplishment. The dialogue is tense, engaging and reaches frightful levels of dissolution. The question about the inherent value of art becomes much more compelling as it gets coloured by the personal experiences of two characters we care for. Great acting from both Sue Cookson and Steve Huison, who infuse a delectable sense of self-interest into their passionate convictions. We both question and love them in this absorbing play.

New Town Theatre, until 25 Aug, 4.20pm.
tw rating 4/5 | [Kyung Oh]