Photo Flash: Almeida Theatre's A DELICATE BALANCE

Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance runs at the Almeida Theatre from 05 May - 02 July, with press night on 12 May 2011. Directed by James Macdonald, A Delicate Balance is designed by Laura Hopkins, with lighting by Guy Hoare, sound by Ian Dickinson and music by Gwilym Simcock.

The cast is Lucy Cohu (Julia), Diana Hardcastle (Edna), Ian McElhinney (Harry), Imelda Staunton (Claire), Tim Pigott-Smith (Tobias) and Penelope Wilton (Agnes).

Urban socialites Agnes and Tobias appear to inhabit a glamorous world of drinks parties and social clubs. The return home of their recently divorced daughter, the constant presence of Agnes' alcoholic sister and the impromptu late-night arrival of some close friends, begin to peel away this veneer. As their lives become increasingly claustrophobic, the characters battle with their fear of stepping into the real world, opting instead for the undemanding familiarity of their own drawing room.

Photo Credit: Hugo Glendinning