CLOCKED       WAREHOUSE THEATRE

This is one of the most accomplished playwriting debuts I have seen for a very long time. Neil Flyn is only 29 and his amazing first play was selected from over 600 plays submitted from around the world for the 2007 International Playwriting Festival. He tells the story of Quinn (Robert Austin), a single middle-aged painter who spends most of his time working in his studio. He shares his house, which he recently inherited from his mother, with Moore (Jonathan Oliver), the mysterious lodger who claims he works for some business or other- which is clearly not true as he comes and goes at all hours. Moore also makes threatening phone calls to strangers in the middle of the night and one evening he is surprised to find Ray (Lee Colley) in the kitchen, who introduces himself as Quinn’s new assistant. Moore distrusts this young man - the feeling is mutual - and they both attempt to put suspicion into Quinn’s head. Flyn’s gripping and tremendously assured piece of writing brings to mind the work of Pinter, Orton and Shaffer. His multilayered characters are carefully and originally drawn in his suitably atmospheric play where it is difficult to tell who is telling the truth. In Ted Craig’s smooth and highly sophisticated production all three actors get equal opportunity to shine. Craig effortlessly moves the action as he slowly builds up the tension like burning dynamite lit from both sides. He makes great use of Graham Constable’s attractive set which is moodily lit by Peter Able. Austin is a strong presence as the painter who may not be as gullible as he first appears to be, Oliver is a chilling image of menace and calculated calm and Colley is also excellent as the seemingly naive young man who uses his sexuality to get on in life. Not only the best written but also one of the best acted productions I have seen for a very long time!

(Plays until the 25th of May. Box office 020 8680 4060)