An ode to blokes and their sheds

Who would have thought an ode to blokes and their sheds could be so beautiful? Two research scientists - beardy types in holey socks - are undertaking fieldwork in a hut in the middle of nowhere. Max (Tom Lyall) is the one in owlish specs, Herman (Jamie Wood) is the one with floppy hair.

To the crackling sounds of the radio, the pair fiddle with pipettes, syringes, electric whisks and tape measures, eat their dinner from tin cans and play backgammon. We watch as they use assorted paraphernalia to experiment on what looks suspiciously like a haggis, and become familiar with the routines and rituals that will, perhaps, keep them from going insane during the long, lonesome nights.

Directed with an intuitively gentle touch by Chris Goode, Longwave is steeped in the charm and wry humour of much of his work. 'There's nothing quite as joyous, is there, as a man whistling?' says the voice on the wireless, and the actors' perfectly calibrated performances and Goode's clever sound design make us believe it.

This almost wordless show speaks volumes about madness, love, companionship and the small satisfactions of working life. It is full of wonderful marginal details, but at its heart is the bond between Max and Herman. They communicate through telling glances and gestures, and we feel every flicker of irritation and tender respect between them.

Until Sat, Lyric Hammersmith, King Street W6, 8pm, £12, £7 concs. Tel: 0870 050 0511. www.lyric.co.uk Tube: Hammersmith

Longwave
Lyric Studio
King Street, W6 0QL