Much like The Vagina Monologues, Art has been one of those West End hits that goes on forever with no one ever seeming to get bored.

First shown in Paris in 1994 and brought to the UK two years later, it has kept box offices very busy ever since.

The plot centres on a character's extravagant purchase of a piece of abstract art and his friends' negative reaction to it.

The story is both simple and timeless, delving into deeply human issues about what friendship means.

Such issues are perfect for a long-running show in that they can stand the test of time without seeming dated and will always mean something to everyone.

Another reason for the play's continued popularity is the way it is kept fresh and new by the ever-changing cast of varied and unexpected stars.

These range from legend Albert Finney and soap star Patrick Duffy to deadpan comedian Jack Dee, with dashing ladies' favourite Nigel Havers now bringing up the rear.

He stars with Roger Lloyd-Pack, better known as Trigger in long-running BBC comedy Only Fools and Horses, and Leigh Lawson, husband of Sixties model Twiggy.

Considering the format of the show, an interval-free 90-minute repartee between just three characters, changing the actors so dramatically is tantamount to creating a new play.

People who had already seen it with one set of actors often returned to see what it was like with the next set.

Yet despite such characteristics supporting the show's longevity, the next cast change, which stars three of the League of Gentlemen, is allegedly the last run.

It has been suggested the list of stars wanting to act in the play has been exhausted and recent reviews have been decidedly more mixed than the glowing reports surrounding the first Albert Finney performance in 1996.

Perhaps it has been decided it is simply better to quit while things are going well and try something new.

Although there is undoubted wisdom in this cliche, it will be sad to wave goodbye to the play that has been so dominant in the theatre world for almost eight years and it is essential to have another peep at it before it disappears.

Tickets cost £13-£21, starts 7.45, 2.30pm matinee Thursday/Saturday.

Call 01273 328488 for details.