Crystal Clear, now playing at City Hall.

Essentially a love story, the play takes us into the lives of Richard (played by Jens Hansen), Thomasina (Happy Lindsey) and Jane (Juliana Jack).

Richard, a diabetic, is losing his eyesight and is in hot pursuit of Thomasina. Jane struggles to save their relationship, without Richard's cooperation of course. But it is how the three deal with Richard's blindness that provides the real drama of the play.

It is a drama that is at once harrowing and somewhat familiar. These are ordinary people after all, behaving in ways that we would recognise in ourselves. That's the strength of Crystal Clear -- its emotional truth.

It has few weaknesses worthy of note. The dialogue fairly sparkles with humour and home truths. The acting is superb. Perhaps the most memorable scene is Richard's diabetic fit -- a fine piece of acting. Now totally blind and feeling useless, the episode comes immediately after what appears to be his final break up with Jane.

What I did find annoying was an audience that felt it had to applaud after every scene, making it impossible to hear the songs chosen at the end.

The play's first half plods along a bit but is full of clever dialogue. And it is one of the few plays adapted for Bermuda without being too self conscious or heavy handed about it.

My only real criticism is that a smaller more intimate space would have done it greater justice.

But considering that proceeds went to two worthy charities, Masterworks and the Bermuda Diabetes Association, the choice of City Hall can be forgiven.

In all it was thoroughly enjoyable, thought provoking entertainment. Highly recommended.

THEATRE THR