Closer

Patrick Marber's play has, since its London launch in March 1999, played in some 50 countries and 100 cities, picking up nominations and awards on the way. Its Irish premiere, now at the Peacock, confirms the general verdict; it is a clever, engrossing play with a theme which rarely fails to entertain; sex.

There are four characters; Dan, a lowly journalist; Larry, a dermatologist; Alice, a stripper and Anna, a photographer. They meet through chance and random events. Dan falls for Alice, Larry for Anna, and intimate relationships develop. As time passes, the four cross trails, and Dan dumps Alice to break up the marriage of the other pair.

Later on, there is more desertion and infidelity, declarations of bondage and independence, constant exploration of the ties that somehow do not bind. Love for each of them is a kind of fever, an overwhelming thing before which considerations of fidelity and unselfishness have no force. By the dying fall of the ending, one has died and the others have survived each other.

As we see them, these are shallow people whose own sexual desires, dimly understood, take precedence in their lives. They are clever and witty, and their complicated exchanges startle the audience into occasional laughter. They move through a series of fast, staccato scenes set at key points in their emotional peaks and valleys. As a sweet-and-sour comedy, it is very enjoyable; to ask for more is to seek a different play.

Simon Magill's direction is pacey and taut, and his actors - Conor Mullen, Louisa Milwood Haigh, Joseph Bennett and Ali White - are right on the button in their characterisations and handling of the sparkling dialogue. Paul McCauley's mobile design is also a significant asset.

Until September 23rd; booking at 018787222