WHEN writers from rival newspapers discover they're covering the same story, storms can be expected.

In Clouds, cynical hack Owen (Lloyd Owen) and novelist Mara (Tara Fitzgerald) each travel to Cuba to get an 'exclusive.' insight into the country.

The play explores their love hate relationship with each other, Cuba, their government tour guide Angel, American journalist Ed and their driver Hilberto.

After initial bickering, Owen and Mara fall for each other as they are shown the highlights of Cuba the government expects them to see.

Michael Frayn's play is occasionally funny and raises some interesting issues about writing, relationships, tourism and socialism. However, none of these themes is explored in a satisfying way.

Lloyd Owen and Tara Fitzgerald are strong in the lead roles, as you would expec and particular mention must go to Darrell D'Silva for his fine depiction of government official Angel.

These strong characters get confused in a jarring plot that leaves the audience unclear about what is happening, but perhaps that is the aim.

Jo Lafferty