"You speak so beautifully, Martin - almost as if you were Patience Strong." Beware a man who speaks like Patience Strong, particularly if he has a whiff of sulphur about him. Amy, however, believes that Martin is her salvation. Two years after her daughter Pattie was severely injured in an accident, Amy is entombed in the family home, caring for her paraplegic child, while her husband escapes to work and expects a hot supper on the table as soon as he returns. Then Martin comes into their lives, claiming to be a close friend of Pattie.
Dennis Potter's 1976 TV drama has a notorious history. It was banned by the BBC, with director of programmes Alasdair Milne claiming it was "brilliantly written and made, but nauseating". Thirty years on and a decade after the in-yer-face school of drama made its presence felt in British theatre, Potter's tale of suburban faith, hope, despair and the devil doesn't seem particularly shocking. On the contrary, it demonstrates a deep belief in the soul and the possibility of good coming out of evil. Amy's faith in Martin may be misplaced, but out of it comes hope, maybe even a miracle. What's more shocking is how dated the play seems. It may be Potter's most controversial work but it is not his best.
Alistair Green's production does much to paper over the cracks, but the uncertain tone of some of the campery owes much to Joe Orton, and the social setting is confusing. Exactly what class are the Bates?
The evening boasts one astonishing performance - Maria Carson, who plays Pattie with such physical and vocal conviction that you see beyond the damaged mind and body to the angel within.
· Until August 7. Box office: 020-7936 3456.
