CLOUDS was first performed in 1976 and this is its first revival since the 70s.

Stylish though the production is, there seems little justification for a revival at this time. Michael Frayn's play, set in communist Cuba, is ordinary on almost every level and has nothing new to say to today's audience.

Billed as a romantic comedy, it is funny in parts though somewhat laboured in parts, and the romance between the two central characters is clumsily developed.

Two writers, Mara (Tara Fitzgerald) and Owen (Lloyd Owen) find themselves in Havana on the same assignment - a colour supplement article on the state of Castro's Stalinist island.

Owen is a journalist, Mara a novelist, and his contempt at having what he sees as an amateur on his patch is made blindingly obvious.

The play follows them as they tour the island accompanied by Angel (Darrell D'Silva) the government guide, Ed (Rolf Saxon), a pro-Castro American journalist, and Hilberto (Ewen Cummins), the driver who represents the Common Man.

Miss Fitzgerald and Mr Owen do their best but the characters are too shallow to be truly engaging, especially Owen, a verbose, sub-Stoppardian clever-dick who is so insufferable that you almost wish he would run off with the novelist simply to spare his wife and children from having to spend another day under the same roof.

Angel, the only character in the play with any life story worth telling, provides the most telling moments of drama.

Clouds is at Malvern until Saturday. Box office 01684 892277.

REVIEW BY STEVE EVANS