Lately we have come to expect certain things from the Latchmere and its new writing programme: distinctive, brave new voices, a lot of grit and a touch of rawness. Its latest offering, therefore, comes as something of a surprise. Craig Baxter's play hails from the britches-and-jerkin school of drama, giving us the sorry tale of John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, who was made minister of pleasure at the court of not-so-merry monarch Charles II. It may not always avoid all Carry on Charlie comparisons, but it is intelligent, ambitious and accomplished and entertaining - although far too long.
What puzzles me is its intended purpose. To some extent, it appears to function as a cautionary tale, preaching moderation: excess, it warns, finishes you off quicker than boredom. Certainly, sex, claret and reams of bad poetry did nothing for poor Rochester's complexion.
Although the production is neatly staged and (mostly) admirably acted, there is a hole at its heart in the writing of the relationship between Rochester and the king. What was it about Charles that lured Rochester back to London to play court jester when he was happily married and had finally realised that love was more satisfying than mere lust? Baxter fails to explain this conundrum and in the process renders Rochester less interesting - just another wastrel with commitment issues - and Charles less complex. Still, we must thank heavens that there is no Nell Gwynne and very few oranges, and the whole thing slips down easily. Although I can't help feeling that it would be more digestible still as either a BBC costume serial or a very long novel.
· Until June 27. Box office: 020-7978 7040.
