The Shape of Things is an entertaining and intriguing 90-minute play, first seen in 2001 and subsequently turned into a successful film directed by its writer, Neil LaBute. It addresses the question of how we see ourselves and, as important, how we project ourselves to others. For ‘we’ read nerdish student Adam (Joe Murphy, pictured) who is transformed into an attractive chap under the influence of a tough and bossy girlfriend, Evelyn (Sophie King, pictured).

The two meet at an art gallery where Adam’s authority as a part-time attendant is challenged by Evelyn’s crossing over the security barrier around a nude statue. Armed with a paint spray, she intends to daub the genital regions because they have been prudishly covered with a carved figleaf. Honest art only, for this art student.

During the conversation that continues from the confrontation, Evelyn begins to see definite possibilities of a good-looker in Adam — once he has got rid of the top-knot in his lank hair, the huge glasses, the ill-fitting jeans and unfashionable workman-style jacket.

And steadily, as their relationship progresses, these aspects of his appearance are indeed altered, with Joe Murphy, a most accomplished actor, showing us the changes with great success. Last thing to go is that jacket which, we learn from Adam’s long-time roommate Phillip (Rob Jones), had been his constant companion, winter and summer, for three years.

Blokeish Phillip is not exactly happy with the new-look Adam, especially when he starts to take an interest in his fiancée Jenny (Ellie Hafner). She has long had a soft spot for Adam, but had despaired of his ever making a move.

All this leads to a surprising, and rather sad, ending, but we are supplied with lots to enjoy on the way.

Director Cassie Barraclough coaxed fine performances from all her actors. It was good that she disobeyed LaBute’s instruction that there should be no curtain call. They deserved the applause.

I was rather surprised, though, that the US setting was changed. American words like ‘movie’ and ‘figure’ (in the thinking context) sounded rather odd spoken in English accents.