Michael Attenborough directs romantic comedy Reasons To Be Happy at the Hampstead Theatre, as four friends find their love lives entangled, intertwined and ultimately treading familiar ground.

The UK premiere of acclaimed American playwright Neil LaBute’s companion piece to the critically acclaimed Reasons To Be Pretty, the play follows Steph and Greg, three years subsequent to their tricky breakup.

Wondering if they can start again, they find themselves confronted by significantly problematic circumstances: not only is Steph now married to someone else, but Greg has recently started a relationship with Carly – Steph’s best friend. Matters are exacerbated when Kent, Carly’s ex-husband, calls, wanting her back – but Kent just so happens to be Greg’s best friend.

On the desperate search for that most elusive of goals in life – happiness – hidden agendas become entangled, secrets are revealed, and confusion is rife as unfinished business between couples comes to the fore in an illuminating romantic comedy. Does stepping back and changing direction actually ever lead to contentment?