The Barn Theatre in Welwyn Garden City is staging a production of Closer, described as a "poignant and intense exploration of modern love and betrayal".
Closer, which opens on Wednesday, May 31, is the final studio production of the 2023 season, which promises to be as "crackling and spicy" as their previous shows Peep or Parlour Song.
The play, by Patrick Marber, follows the intertwining lives of four characters over four-and-a-half years, revealing the intricacies and complexities of their relationships.
The characters are Alice, a young American stripper, Dan, a failed novelist turned obituary writer, Anna, an enigmatic photographer, and dermatologist Larry.
Set in London at the end of the 20th century, the play comprises 12 intense scenes that showcase the raw emotions and desires of each character.
Closer begins with Dan rescuing Alice after she's hit by a car. The two embark on a passionate love affair, but Dan soon meets Anna and becomes infatuated with her.
Meanwhile Larry, who has never met any of the other characters, meets Anna online and they begin an affair as well.
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As the play progresses, the characters become more entangled in each other's lives, and betrayals and secrets abound - with the characters forced to confront the harsh realities of love and lust.
Director Ian Colpitts said: "Staging this play in this space has been a challenge. The audience will be within touching distance of the actors, but this closeness adds a frisson of excitement to the drama."
Closer first premiered at the National Theatre in 1997, where it won the Olivier Award for best new play.
It went on to be a critical and commercial success on Broadway, winning several Tony Awards including best play.
The play has been produced around the world, and was adapted into a film in 2004 starring Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Clive Owen and Jude Law.
The Barn Studio production, which opens on Wednesday, May 31 and runs until Saturday, June 3, comes with an audience advisory warning for 'explicit sexual content and language', and is not recommended for children.
Tickets are available from the theatre via www.barntheatre.co.uk.
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