HAVING often complained that films, plays or TV shows are too long, perhaps it's churlish to complain this theatre piece about cellist Beatrice Harrison left me feeling short-changed, artistically rather than financially.

Leaving an audience wanting more is essentially a good thing, but another 15 or 20 minutes on this hour-long world premiere would leave the audience feeling more satisfied.

Director Susan Stern's clean and elegant production offers scenes from Harrison's home and performing life, told in flashback as she sits playing her beloved cello Peter in her later years.

There's a recreation of the event that made her famous - the BBC's first outside broadcast of birdsong in which she duetted with the nightingales in her garden. Now she's confused and befuddled, never venturing from her room or eating properly. Two of her sisters live in the house, a third returns intent on parting Beatrice from her cello for her own good.

A portrait of her family life emerges, of sisterly rivalry and parental pressure to perform. In old age, she clings to her cello while her sisters squabble over what's best for her.

It's a fascinating recreation of the hardships and sacrifices of a woman devoting herself to a life of musical performance. A few more scenes would have given us a more complete picture.

Frances Jeater, Alwyne Taylor and Tamara Ustinov provide clearly - defined sketches of the three sisters. Brigit Forsyth, with mad grey hair and in white nightie, conveys Beatrice's confusion and musical passion - and plays the cello movingly.

* Until June 5. Tickets (01904) 623568.

Published: 20/05/2004