This is something of an actors’ play.

Martin Shaw plays the part of washed up actor Frank Elgin who is given a chance to resurrect his career when he is offered a part in a play produced by dynamic director Bernie Dodd (Mark Letheren).

But will Frank be able to keep off the drink long enough to keep the role? And what is the role of his wife Georgie (Jenny Seagrove)? The audience is kept guessing as the play twists and turns and I was unsure whether Frank would throw everything away in an orgy of drunkeness.

Shaw himself plays the part of the drunkard with aplomb and is, by turn, whining, wretched, angry, powerful and charismatic.

The play opens with him taking part, somewhat unwillingly, in an audition. Once he switches from stumbling over the script and turns to improvisation, his greatness and ability as an actor is no longer in doubt.

But will he be able to keep it up? Jenny Seagrove, Shaw’s co-star from Judge John Deed, plays his aloof wife, with whom the director builds up a stormy relationship.

He believes she is the cause of all her husband’s problems.

Mark Letheren is convincing as the headstrong producer who so believes in Frank that he gives him his big chance at a comeback.

But, for all its good points, it failed to totally engage. The American accents were unconvincing and made some of the lines difficult to hear. At other times the actors seemed to have slipped out of the accent all together. There was also a certain lack of cohesion among the cast.

The play warmed up towards the end. Yes, it was a good night out. But it was not one of my favourites.