A Moon for the Misbegotten at The Old Vic

It is wonderfully convincing and the lighting by the Old Vic's Stuart Crane and Alex Fox gradually creates the feel of the growing heat of the American plain.

Towards the end of the 24 hour story there is a glorious dawn. Even after three hours you will want to stay for the curtain call which has already brought much of an audience to its feet.

There is a cast of five with the three stars giving powerful performances. The first half is just an hour long with Eugene O'Neill's play really moving ahead after the interval. Funny lines are few at the beginning with Josie Hogan (Eve Best) and Phil Hogan (Colm Meaney) setting the scene in their Irish accents.

Eventually Jim Tyrone (Kevin Spacey) appears on the long dusty path from the inn, deliberately swinging a water can like a thurible, to give one of his
best performances since arriving at the Old Vic.

Eve Best, often using her face, slips easily and quickly from downtrodden land girl to feisty daughter and then young love.

Colm Meaney, as a lazy half drunk farmer, gives an energenic believable performance in a vital role.

This will be another landmark of the Spacey era.

Until 23 December at The Old Vic; see listings information and buy tickets