Simon and his family live in Deptford. Their flat looks out over the tall, sleek buildings of the City. But since Simon lost his job on the buses, he has also lost his self-respect and sense of purpose. "Stop suffocating me with your optimism," he tells his long-suffering wife, Marsha, as he makes wild promises to his 11-year-old son. So when dodgy cousin Paul turns up in his Porsche offering wads of notes in return for some work, Simon is ready for the fall.
It is good to see theatre group Talawa reaping the benefits of its programme to develop young black British writers, and if Michael Bhim's play is not quite pure gold it makes for an enjoyable couple of hours as it explores love smothered by economics, and how the male sense of self-worth is tied to having money in your pocket and smart wheels. It is good, too, on how those near the bottom of the heap will readily exploit those beneath them.
Although there is grit, there is also a fairytale quality to the scenario. It is best in its depiction of a 13-year-old marriage under pressure, as Marsha discovers her husband doesn't share the same values as her. Clarence Smith and Golda Rosheuvel ratchet up the emotional tension in Indu Rubasingham's sturdy but delicate production. The relationship between father and son could be developed further, but I like the way that Paul is no outright villain, but an amoral child who exploits, bullies and threatens without a thought about the consequences of his actions. Mark Monero is excellent as a man who puts money before family and cares more about his car than people.
· Until October 20. Box office: 0870 429 6883.
