Skylight

Hare pitches personal ethics against ideologies in an intense emotional duel, played against the background of post-Thatcherite London.

The story unfolds in the mid-90s, in a flat in one of London's less desirable districts.

Tom Sergeant is a successful restaurateur. Kyra Hollis is his former mistress, (as well as business partner and family friend).

Their bond has been severed for three years when Tom, now a widower, explodes back into her life. The sparks that ignite are not just their passion but long-standing differences in social and political attitudes.

The result is a constant dance of moving toward each other and bursting apart on tide of bristly, prickly dialogue.

Tom's son Edward Sergeant adds another dimension to the story, with his energetic manner reminding us of what his father must have been like.

Skylight premiered at the National Theatre in 1995 and then went on to become one of the most internationally successful plays of recent years.

Both Michael Gambon and Bill Nighy have played the part of Tom.

Director Noel Thorpe-Tracey says: "Skylight gives audiences plenty of issues to think about but also plenty to laugh about, with the main characters demanding compassion for their complicated situation and for the barriers they must break down if they are to have any kind of future together.

With its intense emotions, wry humour and strong language, this is one of David Hare's finest and most compelling plays."

Chesil Theatre Monday to Saturday February 12 at 7.45pm. Tickets £8.50 All Monday night tickets reduced. Box office: 01962 877977.