THE PROMISE Trafalgar Studios

Russian playwright Alex Arbuzov follows the fortunes of three teenagers who survived the horrific siege of Leningrad in World War 2 which lasted 900 days and killed 600,000. Their idealistic optimism turns to bitter disillusionment in the post-Stalin era when the promise of a better future has not materialised. Marat and Leonidik both love Lika. Which one will she marry? Ariadne Nicolaeff’s translation has been given a rewrite by Penelope Skinner and feels better for it. All three roles are an excellent showcase for young talent and Max Bennett, Gwilym Lee and Joanna Vanderham seize their chances. At its British premiere in 1965, the play was a major turning point in the careers of Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, and Ian McShane.