Performances excellent in intriguing piece

‘‘YOU had only two friends in the world, and having killed one you can’t afford to irritate the other,’’ Martello tells Beauchamp. Their friend, Donner, lies dead at the foot of the stairs, but both are anxious to deflect any suspicion of guilt.

Tom Stoppard’s Artist Descending a Staircase initially suggests a murder mystery, but the real focus is on the artist stereotype. The three ageing artists have lived shabbily for years in the requisite attic studio, each convinced of his own avantgarde status and potential to reset the direction of 20th century art. Meanwhile, they bicker about domestic matters such as bath cleaning and where the marmalade is.

In their younger years the three friends spent time in Europe, following artistic trends, shamelessly dropping the names of artists far more famous than themselves, and romantically and hopelessly falling in love with beautiful, blind Sophie. Flashbacks take us progressively back to 1914, when the trio bumble their way into a war zone, then forward again to 1972 and Donner’s unexpected demise.

Originally scripted for radio, this is more a play of words than of action. Although most scenes involve sitting at tables and talking, director Sheena Townsend ensures that there is enough movement for visual interest, and visual aspects are complemented by varied costumes by Rosemary Manjunath, sets (largely consisting of different and always interesting arrangements of tables and chairs) designed by Townsend, and lighting by Cody McRae.

Performances are excellent. Craig Storey, Cheyne Jenkinson and Brent Caldwell take the parts of the elderly artists, and Jackson Rosie, Thomas Makinson and Daniel Cromar play their younger selves. Sophie is played to perfection by Louisa Stonebow.

Artist Descending a Staircase is an unusual and intriguing theatrical experience, and on opening night the Globe was packed, so reservations may be advisable.