THEATRE / Notices : Separation - Theatre Museum

Tom Kempinski's plays have become increasingly self-conscious, so it's good to be reminded of the time when he dramatised his life with humour and objectivity. Rooted in autobiography, Separation explores the growing but ultimately doomed pan-Atlantic relationship between Joe, a neurotic playwright, and Sarah, a disabled actress. It's a poignant love story with deeper things to say about isolation and trust. The strengths of the writing, however, come through despite rather than because of this co-production by Ho Hum and Confederacy of Fools. Katherine Shannon is impressive in her portrayal of Sarah's feisty bluntness, but fights a losing battle with her American accent. And Richard H Reeves is too young and unsubtle to play the disturbed, housebound Joe. He resorts to a shrieky intensity when a greater - and quieter - understanding of the character's emotional problems is needed. Audrey Cooke's production is altogether too loud and superficial.

To 25 Oct (071-836 2330)