JIM Cartwright’s play ‘Two’, at Ilkley Playhouse’s studio theatre this week, throbs with an intensity that is palpable. Directed skilfully by Rachel Conyers, it is clear that she has collaborated closely with her actors, which has enabled them truly to sing.

Set in a pub, the central characters are the publicans, a married couple who have been going through a very rough patch. Beautifully realised by Andy Price and Sarah Potter, we watch the shift in their exchanges from bitter, acrimonious back-biting between themselves to their outwardly jovial, public faces which create a welcoming atmosphere for the paying customers. Over the course of the evening we see their marriage unravel but theirs isn’t the only relationship that we witness.

As the play progresses the landlord and lady embody a variety of their regulars, seamlessly becoming all shades of life in its ugliest and most sympathetic forms – the old boy grieving and the old girl caring; the medallion man and the intolerant girl-friend, the kid left outside with pop and crisps, the ‘other woman’. They also play several couples - magnified versions of relationships – few of these are enviable but all are strangely familiar in some form – if not from our own lives.

This play offers a wonderful opportunity for voyeurism – it is entirely like being in pub and delighting in hearing snippets of other people’s conversations, only this is better, you can really listen, really look. And it is worth it. Andy Price and Sarah Potter are highly skilled actors who do far more than adjust their costumes to change roles – their entire demeanours adapt to each new character – the way they walk, the movement of their eyes, the furrows in their brows all add to carefully crafted individuals to the extent that this cast of ‘Two’ seems like many more.

Towards the end more is revealed as to the cause of the animosity between the central couple, bringing quite devastating emotions to the fore after years of suppression. These are feelings at their most raw, painful and real but there is a sensitivity too which leaves you hopeful and encouraged.

This will be a production that will be talked about for years to come – book a ticket before it’s too late – or you’ll just have to listen to others telling you how good it was. ‘Two’ runs at Ilkley Playhouse until Saturday.

by Becky Carter