A Rapturous Revival

David Hare’s play about the corrupting effect of goodness and greed alike is looking good after 15 years. Its satirical elements haven’t dated — the financial cynicism that was then labelled Thatcherite excess is now the norm — while the twisted sister relationship at its core presents a stimulating pairing of opposites.

Written at great speed, it’s Hare at his most lucid, politicised but too richly imagined to drift into didacticism.

Guy Retallack’s revival is sleek, but it can’t always summon up the puff to fill this venue. Jenny Seagrove overplays Isobel’s decency, while Simon Shepherd fails to convince as her needy partner Irwin. They’re an underwhelming duo.

There’s heartier support from Liza Walker as the sisters’ boozy younger stepmum, an ingrate whom Isobel can’t resist helping, while Belinda Lang finds the comedy snap and, finally, the wounded heart of Tory minister Marion. And Peter Egan is a miracle as Marion’s husband Tom, president of Christians In Business: milking every line but never sinking into caricature.

Retallack has emerged as one of the talents of 2003, applying a distinctive touch to a variety of dramas. This, his first West End show, needs more conviction, but the writing carries it through to an affecting ending — the play’s only moment of tenderness.

Until Feb 24, Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury
Avenue W1, Mon to Sat 8pm, Thu mat 3pm,
Sat mat 4pm, £12.50 to £37.50.
Tel: 020 7494 5045. Tube: Piccadilly Circus

The Secret Rapture