On Thursday last, having indulged in some fine Italian cuisine in Talbot St’s Italian Connection, my friends and I arrived at the evening’s crossroads. The plan had been to meet and eat before heading to the Gate Theatre for its production of Harold Pinters No Man’s Land, however, a hat trick of white wine coupled to the threat of a rather laborious night at the theatre had prompted the party to debate the merits of forsaking our tickets for a night of drink and debauchery.

Thinking or drinking?

An intellectual work out or a liver work out?

Michael Gambon or Jack Daniels?

This ultimate consideration proved decisive as the opportunity to witness the Great Gambon plying his trade in the flesh, having been what initially attracted our attention to the production, steadied our resolve.

I would not regret that decision.

The story revolves around 2 late middle aged writers, Gambon’s Hirst and David Bradley’s Spooner, who having met on an alcohol fuelled night on Hampstead Heath, return to Hirst’s house to endulge in conversation and Hirst’s private liquor collection. There they meet the menacing Foster and Briggs (David Walliams and Nick Dunning) who are Hirst’s minders.

To say that No Man’s Land is not the most accessible of plays is to put it lightly with the author himself having claimed he understands little of his work.. Dealing with themes such as middle age, loss and memory to name but a few, it’s difficult to say with any certainty what is happening throughout and nothing is offered in the way of resolution.

In spite of this I loved it, the credit for which must go to the actors involved. Michael Gambon, well its Gambon people! He could read Jane Austen and make it sound riveting. Elsewhere, I especially enjoyed the excellent David Bradley’s turn as Spooner who provides the comedy throughout.

I’ve sat through intellectual fodder where nothing much happens and no resolution is offered before and hated it, take a bow Long Days Journey into Night. However, I was riveted throughout No Man’s Land and if you haven’t already seen it then check it out before its run ends this Friday.

Jack Daniels will still be there next week!