The tiny Latchmere Theatre in south London is carrying the torch for new writing and developing an enviable reputation for spotting the potential of playwrights at the start of their careers. The latest beneficiary is Anglo-American Jennifer Farmer, whose ambitious play was developed by Soho Theatre but didn't find house room in Dean Street. More fool them.
Breathing is by no means perfect and, although finely acted, looks squashed on the tiny stage. It would benefit from a much heavier hand with the blue pencil to shorten, tighten and cut out some of the histrionics. But it is gripping stuff, with confidence in its structure.
The play is set on a Texan beach with young lovers Joe and Kelly, and two women you first take to be mother and daughter, then think are good friends, but who turn out to be tied together by a dreadful secret. Gloria's son has murdered Marie's daughter and tonight he is going to be executed. The pleasure of this play is not just in the storytelling, but in the delicate way it tackles the same issue from many angles. It asks what makes a good mother and what happens when women try to escape or embrace their biology.
Motherhood is currently one of theatre's most fashionable subjects and this raw, painful play doesn't hold back in examining grief and loss, how you can love your child and hate them for what they have done to you, and the fact that every murderer is somebody's son or daughter.
· Until November 15. Box office: 020-7978 7040.
