GLOBE theatre critic Lew Baxter previews a striking new production of a David Hare favourite A Spark in the Skylight.

The discord that can often surface between folk of different social levels is the key to David Hare's fascinating examination of such friction in his play Skylight, showing how two one time lovers react and respond on meeting again.

It's the latest choice of production by Theatr Clwyd's artistic director Tamara Harvey who has brought together Jeany Spark and Jay Villiers to take the lead roles of the emotionally-charged 'protagonists'; Kyra Hollis, a socially-conscious activist, Tom Sergeant, a rich restaurateur, and Oscar Batterham as his son Edward.

The play has been a hit since it premiered at the National Theatre in 1995 and then hit the West End and later Broadway, winning along the way an 'Olivier Award' for play of the year in London and a 'Tony' award in New York for best play.

It is a welcome addition to Theatr Clwyd's catalogue of dynamic productions and is Tamara Harvey's third directorial work at Mold.

Her most recent was the world premiere of Pilgrims and her much acclaimed debut last year featuring Shakespeare’s romantic romp Much Ado About Nothing.

Jeany Spark is well known to fans of the BBC's UK version of the bleak Scandinavian detective series Wallander where she shines as Linda, the daughter of the morose policeman played by Kenneth Branagh.

And indeed she is a 'bright spark', holding a first-class honours degree in English Literature from Oxford.

She seemingly once hankered after journalism but her heart eventually turned to acting and she is a graduate of the celebrated RADA institution.

Apart from Wallander, on television she has appeared in BBC's The Line of Duty, Death in Paradise, Tess of the D’Urbervilles and Sherlock, as well as Man Down and Black Mirror for Channel 4, amongst other numerous roles.

Her film credits include The Fifth Estate and Red Lights.

It is a return to Theatr Clwyd for Jay Villiers, who is the voice of Dr Tim Hathaway in BBC Radio Four's The Archers, after appearing some years ago in the Terry Hand's production of Dead Funny.

Londoner Jay has also appeared in the hit comic film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The International.

His most recent stage work was at London’s Old Vic in The Winslow Boy.

* Skylight runs from Thursday, February 9 to Saturday, March 4 in the Anthony Hopkins Theatre at Theatr Clwyd, Mold, North Wales.

Tickets from the box office on 01352 701521 or online at www.theatrclwyd.com