Reasons to be Happy, Hampstead Theatre

Former Artistic Director of the Hampstead Theatre Michael Attenborough returns for the premiere of a new romantic comedy. Reasons to be Happy is the director's fourth collaboration with writer Neil LaBute.

The playwright and screenwriter scrutinised society's obsession with looks with a trilogy comedies about makeovers, conformity and subjectivity. Now the third play, Reasons to be Pretty (Almedia Theatre, 2011) will get a new 'companion piece'.

For this Hampstead Theatre premiere LaBute will expand his focus on contemporary society to explore the ever elusive nature of happiness.

Picking up after Reasons to be Pretty left off, this new play returns to the same characters. Former lovers Steph and Greg are wondering if they should get back together. The problem is that since breaking up, Steph's got married and Greg's dating her best friend, Carly — much to the dismay of Carly's ex husband. They all want to be happy, but the more they search for contentment, the messier their lives become.

Expect a taut take on the typical love tangle, with lashing of wry comedy from this writer director duo. Casting is yet to be announced.