RARELY do the personal and political come together on stage in such a fiery manner – but Limelight Theatre’s latest show manages to mix funny, sexy and sad.

Written by David Hare and directed by James Hough-Neilson, Skylight is a contemporary classic that holds up a mirror to a divided society in a night of reunion and recrimination.

On a bitterly cold London evening, school teacher Kyra Hollis receives an unexpected visit from former lover Tom Sergeant, a successful and charismatic restaurateur who has recently become widowed.

As the evening progresses, the two attempt to rekindle their once passionate relationship – only to find themselves locked in a dangerous battle of opposing ideologies and mutual desires.

Skylight won the 1996 Olivier Award for Play of the Year and 2015 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Award-winning British character actor Bill Nighy appeared in a 1997 production, as well as the revival with Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan.

Playwright Hare is one of Britain’s most internationally-performed playwrights, responsible for The Blue Room and The Judas Kiss, as well as the screenplays for The Hours and The Reader.

“Skylight is something of a debate play a la George Bernard Shaw,” Hough-Neilson said.

“It prompts us to consider our own places, and choices, as inhabitants of a crowded world – it is a psychological drama.

“Often the challenges of directing a production come from having to weave together all the aspects of directing a play. 

“I am fortunate to have put together a production crew that will take care of all the extraneous needs of mounting this production, which will leave me free to enjoy the creative aspects.”

A professional actor, on and off, for the past 63 years, Hough-Neilson has a wealth of experience behind him – and then some.

He studied at London Drama School, then spent three years learning and performing a play a week in repertory theatre and appeared in the number one West End play Summer Seasons. Numerous UK television appearances followed, along with radio work and various commercials.

In WA, Hough-Neilson has worked with Stirling, Limelight and Playlovers Theatres over the past 26 years, performing in or directing productions such as Breaker Morant, Showboat, The Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, The Importance of Being Earnest, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and Hobson’s Choice.

His 2006 production of The Judas Kiss at Playlovers received best director, best play, best costumes and best supporting actor accolades at the annual Finley Awards.

“Skylight appealed because I enjoy and appreciate David Hare’s works having previously directed The Judas Kiss and Amy’s View,” Hough-Neilson said.

“Working with just three actors also allows me as director to have a more intimate involvement in the shaping of a play.”

Skylight plays at 8pm September 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, October 1, 6, 7 and 8. Tickets are $21, $18 concession – book at www.limelighttheatre.com.au or on 0499 954 016 between 9am and midday, Monday to Friday.

Limelight Theatre is located on Civic Drive, Wanneroo.