THEY sometimes say a football match is a game of two halves and the same could be said of Glengarry Glen Ross at the Theatre Royal in Bath.

Act One establishes the play's main characters in three quick-fire scenes lasting a mere 35 minutes which largely consist of monologues and using different elements of the same set.

Act Two slows the pace and the set changes to the aftermath of a real estate office upturned by a burglary.

It's here that Sam Yates’ revival really gets into its stride and the action begins its inexorable march towards the play's climax.

There are sometimes moments in theatre where you can hear a pin drop and this production is fortunate to have several of them.

The director and seven-strong cast make the most of David Mamet’s darkly funny but trailblazing drama.

An office of cut-throat Chicago real estate salesmen are pitched against each other in a high-stakes competition to top the leader board and win a Cadillac.

As the action progresses, it becomes evident the four increasingly desperate employees will do anything, legal or otherwise, to win their bonus.

Mark Benton brings comedy and pathos to the role of Shelley ‘The Machine’ Levene, who is down on his luck, while Nigel Harman lends a touch of suave confidence and swagger as ruthless salesman Ricky Roma, who is topping the leaderboard.

Scott Sparrow as John Williamson also deserves special mention for the way in which he absorbs the anger of Levene and Roma, while coldly manipulating situations to his advantage.

Denis Conway as Dave Moss, Wil Johnson as George Aaronow, James Staddon as James Lingk, and Zephryn Taitte as the Chicago detective Baylen, complete the cast.

Glengarry Glen Ross is on at the Theatre Royal Bath to Saturday March 23. Tickets are on sale at the TRB Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at www.theatreroyal.org.uk. It's worth a visit.