REVIEW: IF this drama had been written thirty years later you would swear the Robert Maxwell scandal was its inspiration. But Rattigan wrote it in 1963. Its prophetic similarities to the Maxwell story are uncanny.

David Suchet plays the central character, Gregor Antonescu, a financier of obscure east European origins, whose dealings are of such magnitude and audacity they can change the fate of a nation.

He is charismatic, charming, devilishly clever and utterly ruthless.

It is a riveting performance from Suchet who conveys all the above qualities with chilling conviction.

When a chink is found in Gregor's skilfully constructed web of financial chicanery and his empire is about to crash, it is to his estranged son he turns for help a son he has told people was dead in a desperate and cynical plan to avert disaster.

Ben Silverstone plays the son, Basil (Vassily) perfectly displaying the ambivalent feelings he has for his father, revulsion and devotion.

The father's feelings for the son are even more complex and here Rattigan's mastery in sketching convoluted human relationships is breathtaking.

David Yelland is far from overshadowed as Sven Johnson, long time right hand man and spin doctor for Antonescu reflecting his master's charm and icy control.

The strong supporting cast includes Jennifer Lee Jellicorse, Colin Stinton, Will Huggins and Emma Ferguson.

This thought provoking and, strangely, rarely performed drama is directed by Maria Aitken.

Jo Bayne