Whenever the future of American musical theatre is discussed, Jason Robert Brown often crops up. Along with John La Chuisa and Adam Guettel, he is often spoken of as a possible heir to Stephen Sondheim.

Brown's The Last Five Years, a song cycle, tells the story of the relationship and marriage between Cathy, an actress, and author Jamie. The story is told from the point of view of each character with one telling the story from first meeting to breakup while the other relays it in reverse.

As there is little action, the words of each song take on extra importance, explaining situations and moving the story on.

Sadly, in an otherwise enjoyable production, clarity is lost, mainly by Alex Thomas as Jamie. His performance is too internalised with lack of projection obscuring the lyrics.

Adele Bates as Cathy is stronger – both in acting and singing – delighting as she journeys backwards from the bitterness of breaking up back to the joyousness of young love.

The score was beautifully played by the five-piece ensemble, although at times its power added to the clarity problem for both principals.