Talking realistically

In his new play, Conor McPherson has found a clever way of harnessing the benefits of his beloved monologue to a more rewarding narrative framework.

Ian has abandoned the priesthood and has established a new profession as a therapist. John, tormented by the ghost of his wife, killed in a car accident, has come seeking solace from a heavy sense of guilt.

Ian has ghosts of his own: a collapsing relationship with the mother of his baby daughter, overshadowed by a profound crisis of faith. Both, through talking with each other, slowly find ways of redeeming self-doubt, loneliness and a very Catholic uncertainty over the subliminal threshold between life and death.

McPherson's direction coaxes movingly detailed performances from Michael McElhatton and Stanley Townsend as Ian and John respectively.

He mischievously keeps this tense, atmospheric play hovering between wry comic realism and a deeper, poetic intimation of something more mysterious, making this genuinely haunting theatre.

Until Jul 17, Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court, Sloane Square SW1, Mon to Sat 7.30pm, Sat mats 3.30pm, £7.50 to £27.50, £9 concs (tonight limited availability). Tel: 020 7565 5000. www.royalcourttheatre.com Tube: Sloane Square

Shining City