Remembered as the play about poker rather than fathers, sons and the emotional deficiencies of men, Dealer’s Choice was the first play in Patrick Marber’s loose trilogy about contemporary London and it is defined by the absence of women. Dubbed as the new Pinter when he first came on to the scene during the 1990s, Marber used it to comment on his own struggles with gambling.

Set in a north London restaurant, the owner, Stephen lets the staff - the chef and two waiters, and his wayward son, unwind and play for a ticket to a new life. But the stakes are high and when an outsider is invited - it becomes a whole new game.

The brilliant swagger of the Marber’s writing lays bare the emotional inadequacies of a group of men, whose failures as fathers, sons, friends and colleagues are exposed as the evening progresses.

The first two acts alternate between the kitchen and dining area of the restaurant, while the final act moves to the basement for a late night poker game. The play perceptively observes the bonds between men: the way that banter, insults and game playing substitute for direct acknowledgement of the emotional stakes between father and son or boss and workers.

Speaking about directing Dealer’s Choise, Director Danny Swanson says: “I’ve wanted to direct this play at the Barn for some time. I like modern plays about men – the laddiness and banter that they hide behind: the male pre-occupations with winning or losing, relationships and rivalry. There is no real end - nothing gets resolved, but these characters would look back and think these were good times.

“The naturalistic style of this piece is a challenge as you need to make it appear effortless. But with quality writing and good actors I am sure the discerning Barn audience will have a rewarding evening of quality theatre.”

Barn Theatre, Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City, March 18-26. Details: 01707 324300, barntheatre.co.uk.