Real Thing fits its star, Tom Conti, like a comfortable coat, one that is a little worn but which will be serviceable for many years to come.

Like most of Stoppard's works, it is multi-layered, complex and very, very funny. In this play the author tackles many themes, among them love and fidelity, the nature of romance, the art of acting and the purpose of writing and literature.

And in a cast of six it is Tom Conti, as playwright Henry, and Nina Young, who plays his feisty new actress wife Annie, who dominate.

We first meet them when they are lovers and married to other people and slowly follow their lives as they work and attempt to work, she on a Jacobean tragedy and he on trying to turn a convict's play into a reasonable drama for television.

It is a profound piece but never dull and Stoppard's crisp, acid one-liners sparkle like diamonds and will have you laughing out loud.

What keeps you riveted is Tom Conti. His timing is impeccable and seems so natural. He delivers the author's conflicting statements with aplomb and with a crystal clear accent.

He and the author are both experts at the tease and Conti can do much with just a raised eyebrow.

Tim Piggott-Smith directs a smooth production and the supporting cast are good matches for the principals.

Until Saturday, September 24. Time will vary, call 08700 606650.