Moving, thought-provoking and darkly comic

Anne-Marie Duff, of Shameless (Channel 4) fame stars in this remarkable play at the National Theatre (Lyttleton). Director Simon Godwin's revival of the play written by Eugene O'Neill in 1928 draws out the tension bubbling underneath the fascinating relationships of the four main characters: Nina, played by Duff; Sam (Jason Watkins); Edmund (Darren Petrie); and Charles (Charles Edwards).

O'Neill's writing crackles with subtle intensity: the audience is given insight into the characters' true feelings as they break the fourth wall and confide with them. Meanwhile the surface relationships and interactions remain terse, and often comically inconsistent with how the audience knows they truly feel.

Duff's performance is stunning as she deftly highlights the conflict of her character. Godwin, and his supremely talented team which includes the brilliant set designs of Soutra Gilmour, have revived this play to its full potential, in a production which is moving, funny and not to be missed.

What is Strange Interlude about?

Set just after the First World War, Nina lives in a New England university town. Her world is torn apart as she learns of the death of her fighter-pilot fiancee who was shot down, and soon after a line of suitors begins to queue up offering to fill the vacant position. In what develops into a love-quadrangle, Nina listens both to her heart and to the well-meaning advice of others, but must ultimately decide the best course for her happiness.