Love - of money, women, ideals and the English gentleman - proves the downfall in George Bernard Shaw's Widower’s Houses. It is a tale of broken dreams and youthful idealism as the truth of real life hits young Harry Trench (Jonathan Cullen) right in the face. What begins as a light-hearted story of Englishmen meeting abroad turns into a deep, dark tragedy, as the truth of the widower's houses, slums in London's seedier districts, is revealed. Trench falls in love with the beautiful Blanche (Valerie Gogan) while travelling with his jovial companion Cokane (Ian Price). They decide to marry but Sartorius (David Henry), Blanche’s widowed father, proves an intimidating character - a wealthy gentleman of questionable means. When Trench, an idealistic young doctor, finds out how Sartorius makes his money, he refuses to accept any of it when he and Blanche are married, and she breaks off the engagement. "Love of money is the root of all evil." observes Cokane - and how right he is. It's all rather complicated, but basically Trench, who despises Sartorius' money-making methods, finds that he is also inextricably caught up in it. The story gets darker, echoed by changes in the excellent stage design and lighting. It is a captivating period piece, beautifully staged, tightly directed and acted with pure finesse.