TILTING his head to inspect a white canvas, the audience are greeted by Marc’s horror as he learns that best friend Serge just forked out £200k for a piece of modern art that looks suspiciously like a blank sheet of paper.
The picture is clearly the proudest purchase of Serge, played by Nigel Havers, much to the dismay of his friend of 25 years Marc, played by Denis Lawson, who takes glee in calling it a piece of S**t.
As the pair rage against their differing views on the painting, it becomes clear that art is not the only thing that threatens the future of their companionship.
Yvan, played by Stephen Tompkinson, is the final man in the trio and despite attempting as peace keeper, becomes the victim of some of the most venomous and thrilling onstage exchanges to grace the Theatre Royal stage.
The whirlwind Olivier, Tony and Molière Award-winning comedy by Yasmina Reza hits the ground running and doesn’t pause for breath as the group delve uncomfortably into the fragile world of friendship and the silent suffering of human existence.
Yvan’s monologue, pouring out the woes of dealing with the women in his life inspired a huge round of applause, no doubt from many who wished they could sum up their frustrations with family as eloquently as Reza’s character.
Art has enjoyed three previous hugely successful visits to Bath’s Theatre Royal in 2000, 2003 and 2005 and appears in the theatre until Saturday May 12.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here