The Library Theatre, Manchester, Runs until 23 November - AT FIRST sight Edward Albee's play is a lesson in how not to have a successful marriage.
After a party at the home of Martha's college president father she and her lecturer husband George return home exhausted at 2am.
When Martha announces that she has invited new lecturer Nick and his wife Honey for a drink George is livid and the couple launch into a torrid argument.
Martha's malicious humiliation of her husband before their two young guests is carried off with breathtaking grace by Ishia Bennison.
George Costigan's comic timing is immaculate as downtrodden George who rises from the ashes to exact an unthinkable revenge on his wife.
It is a challenge to carry off a convincing drunken performance over three acts but Sally Bretton as naive brandy-swigging Honey puts in a hilariously accurate performance.
An outstanding cast, strengthened by Noah Huntley (Luke in Emmerdale) as science lecturer Nick, succeeds in conveying the play's intense sense of claustrophobia inside the chaotic home of Martha and George.
This insight into the flip-side of a respectable American marriage provides laughs and touching moments of reflection and despair. An unmissable invitation.
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