Review by Paul Towers, 28/9/26
Art by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton
Directed by Steve Illidge
Produced by Leicester Drama Society
At The Little Theatre til Saturday 3rd October 2026
Art is a sharp, witty and thought-provoking stage play that takes a seemingly simple disagreement between friends and turns it into an examination of friendship, taste, ego and insecurity. It also punctures the pomposity that surrounds modern art appreciation.
At the centre of the play is a white painting that wealthy dermatologist Serge (Piers Flavin) has bought for the ridiculous sum of 100.000 Euros. One of his best friends, Marc (Matt Evans) is vocal in calling out the vacuous idea that a white canvas with white paint and white lines can be art. Late arrival to the social gathering is Yvan (Graham Muir) who is more interested in people pleasing than taking sides in the discussion. What follows is far more than an argument about whether the painting is actually art. The artwork becomes a catalyst, exposing tensions and resentments that have been quietly building between the three friends.
The strength of the play lies in its dialogue which is funny, fast-moving and often uncomfortable, with humour sitting alongside moments of genuine hostility. Each of the three brings a different perspective, making it difficult to see the conflict as simply right versus wrong.
The minimalist, monochrome set by Stephanie Nicholls works particularly well. With so little on stage, attention remains firmly on the actors and the shifting relationships between them. The painting itself becomes almost another character, being constantly shunted off and on, provoking questions about value, taste and what we choose to believe is important.
Beneath the comedy is a much more serious exploration of friendship. How well do we really know our closest friends? How much honesty can a friendship withstand? And when personal pride becomes involved, can an argument about something as trivial as a painting reveal something much deeper?
Overall, Art is an intelligent and entertaining piece of theatre. It combines humour with uncomfortable truths and leaves the audience considering not only what constitutes art, but also what holds friendships together.
Director Steve Illidge has been gifted a talented cast, especially Graham Muir’s Yvan’s hilarious 3-way telephone conversation with his bride-to-be, his mother and step mother. It got a well-deserved round of applause as he collapsed in an exhausted heap.
Clever lighting allows for each character to break the fourth wall and address the audience.
Art is at The Little Theatre until Saturday 3rd October
Pics: Russell Webster
https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/
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