Wide World's web of intrigue

Simon Stephens's first play for the National Theatre is a characteristically astute portrait of three generations of a Stockport family. His storyline takes in nine months of domestic strife, young love, tragedy and will-they-won't-they infidelity - along the way reminding us that the straight and narrow takes more navigation than any other route.

It's acted on a bare set with a globe suspended from the ceiling, reminding us of the wider world calling to these characters. At the story's heart is renovator Peter (Nicholas Gleaves), flirting with posh, pregnant client Susan (Susannah Harker) and coping with catastrophe at home. His wife Alice (Siobhan Finneran) considers an affair.

Their 18-year-old son Alex (Thomas Morrison) looks for his wide world in London before coming home to talk turkey to his drunken granddad (David Hargreaves).

Two-and-a-half hours is too generous a portion of this slice of Stockport life - and Sarah Frankcom's beautifully acted production can't always provide the sense of place to ground some of its more poetic moments.

Its observations would work best tied to a tighter story. But Wide World finally convinces as a clear-eyed, sympathetic depiction of the push-pull between aspiration and reality that underlines all our lives.

In rep until Aug 23 (next perf today 2.30pm), Cottesloe, National Theatre, South Bank SE1, 7.30pm, mats 2.30pm, £10 to £27.50. Tel: 020 7452 3000. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk. Tube: Waterloo/Embankment

On The Shore Of The Wide World