Four superb performances and a gravity-defying set ensured an evening of great theatre for an appreciative audience at Cardiff's, New Theatre.

This revival of Alan Ayckbourn's 1996 play, Things We Do For Love, proved ,dark, insightful and.. hilarious.

Barbara, an elegant and icy career-woman lives in the middle flat of her converted south-west London home, downstairs, and, secretly, Gilbert, her postman and handy-man lodger has converted the basement into a shrine (complete with a nude painting on the ceiling and an assortment of her clothes!). The top flat, meanwhile, lends itself perfectly as a temporary measure for an old school friend, Nikki and her fiance Hamish.

Hamish and Barbara take an instant dislike to each other, but as their feelings gradually develop into lust and eventually love, the comedy turns darker and the four character-interactions strengthen and develop.

Claire Price and Edward Bennett are perfectly cast as the warring duo, Barbara and Hamish and their antagonism is a well-observed treat to watch.

Simon Gregor, meanwhile, brings energetic hilarity to dark obsession, and an entirely convincing, turning up drunk for a dinner party scene, will remain memorable.

The beautiful, Natalie Imbruglia, in her UK stage debut completes and complements the cast in a poignant study of wronged girlfriend Nikki.

Only Ayckbourn can turn deception, domestic violence and cross-dressing into humour.

The play is a must-see.