I THOROUGHLY enjoyed 27, Hexagon’s recent production at the Cotswold Playhouse.

Abi Morgan’s play is demanding, both of its audience and actors, but it’s well worth an at times uncomfortable journey.

Set in a convent, it has moments both humorous and harrowing – there’s a scream from the compelling Sue Lewis (Sister Ursula), worthy of Lear on hearing of Cordelia’s murder.

Sister Miriam, her beloved friend and mentor has finally died, following her remorseless mental decline as Alzheimer’s rearranges her faculties.

I told you it was harrowing.

Another moving and intelligent performance from Mary Moore, with method and subtlety in her madness.

Martin Stockwell surpassed himself, quite an achievement, as Dr Richard Garfield, a scientist researching the disease.

A lonely, sensitive, bitter, angry and yet ultimately moral and compassionate soul, he frequently stepped into the limelight and dazzled.

In love with Sister Ursula, it’s a love story too, and a poignant one.

All the rest of the cast supported well, Tim Presland vying convincingly with Dr Garfield for the moral highground to name but one.

Good for Valentine's Day?

Of course, if interested in Love's many permutations.

Anthony Hentschel