Today, for one day only, we take a break from science fiction. Well, I say that, but Irish politics can be surreal, so maybe we're not that far off from the subject. Sean O'Casey, a great playwright, had the gift of illuminating the human condition with a razor-sharp observation of the people around him. Thus it is with Shadow of a Gunman, a beautiful play about ordinary, rather endearing people caught up in a horrible situation.

One remarkable thing about this play was that it premiered in 1923 – but the events it describes happen in 1920. I can't imagine anyone else in the world being able to write such a clear-headed play so shortly after the kind of contentious turmoil that takes place in this story. Can you imagine a critical play about the American Revolution written in 1786? Ha! Or a satirical play lampooning the behaviour of the Great Powers so shortly after World War I, anywhere? I think not.

Best of all, this performance features Kenneth Branagh and Stephen Rea. They're both terrific here, as are all the other actors. The story just springs to life. I read that there was a US TV version starring Richard Dreyfuss. Unfortunately, I can't find a clip for comparison. Dreyfuss is a talented actor, and I've seen some of his early dramatic work, which is good. But frankly, I can't imagine a US cast getting this right. I've sat through US productions of JM Synge that will make your ears hurt. Why do they do it?

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the play. O'Casey's a revelation, and this is an expert production.