www.london-se1.co.uk/venue/111/bookshop-theatre           Cast:    Anne-Marie- Virginia Byron        Michel- Gareth Clarke            Director: Tamara Hinchko

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Review by Plays International: ...A nouvelle vague film scenario, a Pinteresque duel, it requires two actors with charisma, internal fire, and energy for the sparks to fly, especially in the taut tension of the silences... Direction by Tamara Hinchco is good, the choice of moody jazz music (sound by Paul Grice) exquisite, and Rebecca Channon's hotel lounge set, enhanced by David Palmer's lighting, makes the most of the bookshop's book-lined back room. Virginia Byron looks the Gallic part, elegant, chic in her shift dress and chignon.

The doors open and we are ushered into the back room where, during the day, second hand books are sold. There are a few chairs for the audience pressed against the bookshelves. There is a card table in the centre of the room, a chaise longue against one wall, a telephone table with an old fashioned telephone, and jazz music coming from the stereo. Rebecca Channon’s design is simple and eloquent. To say it is performed in the round is a misleading: we are actually in the scene with the actors. There is something incredibly powerful about being literally amongst the action: we are eavesdropping on an intimate conversation. And unlike real life we don’t have to pretend we aren’t hanging on every word! Such close up work requires great attention to detail. Fortunately the director and the actors are well aware that the audience are going to notice if a button on a cuff isn’t done up; we are certainly going to notice if someone’s forgotten to shine their shoes. So Anne Marie’s costume was perfect: sexy, demure, chic; as was Michel’s - slightly dishevelled - indicating a masculine sartorial insouciance? [Review by Extra! Extra!]