CHRISTOPHER SMITH “Do I really live here?”, one of the characters asks the question and means it.But really we begin to ask it about all five of them, at Pangbourne, in an account of nearly 20 years of deep emotions, in eloquent language and with a vein of satire in English life, particularly in the arts.

CHRISTOPHER SMITH

“Do I really live here?”, one of the characters asks the question and means it.

But really we begin to ask it about all five of them, at Pangbourne, in an account of nearly 20 years of deep emotions, in eloquent language and with a vein of satire in English life, particularly in the arts.

Though up to date in some respects, David Hare's play is quite old fashioned in its technique. The stage, which always seems a bit large for reality, is the meeting place for people quite like us, but always drawn on a rather more generous scale.

Mother is an actress. This justifies her in being so much more articulate than us, with feelings that run deep yet often come to the surface. She tries to make life a role, even when events catch up with her. With her daughter the relationship is only too naturally fraught, and the boyfriend in the media has a fine line in taking himself too seriously. Explosions follow.

Human relationships are the basis of the drama, but, for those who want such things, there is a plea for the theatre, even some sketchy existentialism.

Most, though, will enjoy excellent performances in this Loose Cannon production by David Qwyn Harris. Clarity is exemplary while pauses are handled with a special skill, and noises off make a genuine contribution. So does the string music that reaches for the skies at the end.

t Further performances at Norwich Playhouse today, October 12, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and at Gresham's School Auden Theatre, Holt, on Monday, October 14, at 8pm.