In one of the simplest, most effective settings seen at the Abbey Theatre for several years, one friend tries to calm down a quarrel between two others over the purchase of a work of art, but in doing so only makes things worse, forcing all three of them to re-examine their friendship and the direction in which it is going.

Christopher Hampton's award-winning play, 'ART', translated from the original work by Yasmina Reza, is essentially about the concepts of friendship. As the action develops, it dawns on us that the picture in question is simply a vehicle for the author to explore a much more fundamental aspect of our lives.

We see how fragile long-standing and seemingly firm friendships can be as three good friends with different ideas on art realise how deeply destructive their differences can be.

Winner of the Evening Standard Award and Olivier Award for 'Best Comedy', the show was originally presented in the West End as a one-act play. It ran for eight years and starred many high profile actors, among them Tom Courtney, Jack Dee, Albert Finney, Henry Goodman, Richard Griffiths, David Haig, Frank Skinner and Ken Stott.

Anne Smith's production is well-served by its three actors, each of whom gives a cameo performance that the producer skilfully blends into a single memorable performance.

Mark Masson plays Marc, a bit of a fuss-pot who is into homeopathy and lots of other things, but not art. Jim Shaw plays Serge, the art connoisseur who has spent a fortune on his latest acquisition, while Ged Ryan is utterly convincing as the highly-strung, disorganised hen-pecked Yvan whose attempts at reconciliation result in little more than a severe blow to the head.

The play runs until Saturday, October 31.

Stage managers for this production are Linda Patterson and Judith Sanderson. The backstage team includes David Ferguson, Ian Anderson, Bob Johnston, Jim Jamieson, Caroline Pennant-Jones, Roz Armstrong, Dorothy Parfitt and Pat McInroy.

Stephen Gilbert and Laura Adam are the technical team; Dora Doig is in charge of wardrobe and ensuring continuity are Lindsay McDonald and Pat McInroy. Bob Sawley and theatre members are in charge of front of house arrangements and catering.

The exhibition in the upper coffee lounge is of works by Evelyn Chaplain.

The next production at the Abbey Theatre is 'Cowboy Joe - The Panto'. It runs from Saturday, December 12, to Saturday, December 19, with matinee performances on Sunday, December 13, and Saturday, December 19.

Tickets, which are already selling fast, can be reserved online at theabbeytheatre.org. Public booking is from Sunday, November 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the theatre and from Monday, November 23, at Visit Scotland, 01241 892609.

ECH