It could easily have fallen into clichés or stereotypes of storytelling but, refreshingly, it gave the audience something quite unique.
On the face of it, this was about Serge, who bought a painting, and the reactions of his two friends.
Marc hated it with ferocious energy and Yvan tried to assuage them by walking a tightrope of diplomacy and people-pleasing. What emerged through this black comedy, however, was a poignant, well-observed illustration of relationships.
The cast were excellent and impassioned, creating characters that were flawed but also likeable and very sympathetic. They all had great depth, and Ryan Lainchbury particularly excelled as Yvan.
In one scene he told a story while on the verge of hysteria – caused by the stress of his fiancée and family on the cusp of his upcoming wedding – which was hilarious, touching and sad.
On one level this play showed class and snobbery to comic effect, and on another showed the multitude of roles we play in each other’s lives, our expectations of each other and what happens when they change.
A very funny and very clever play; a hugely enjoyable production.
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