Towering ambitions come crashing down in Michael Frayn's excellent play Benefactors.

Emma Chambers and Neil Pearson in Benefactors at the Oxford Playhouse With a supremely talented cast of four -- Aden Gillett, Sylvestra Le Touzel, Neil Pearson and Emma Chambers -- it tells the story of an architect's vision to transform a rundown area of south London called Besoto Road.

But his plan to demolish the houses and build two skyscrapers to house hundreds of families causes controversy, and friction in his own life.

It leads to a fall-out with his old college friend, and now neighbour, Colin (Neil Pearson), who decides to fight the plan all the way.

"Don't scrape the skies -- just sweep the streets," he declares in a battle cry to planners. Meanwhile, friendships and relationships are stretched to breaking point by the concrete conflict and Colin's crusade.

All four cast members are faultless in this beautifully observed play, acted out on an almost bare stage -- surrounded by the image of concrete -- with only a heavily-laden kitchen table and wooden chairs as props.

Yet the actors conjure up a chaotic world of busy family lives, unseen children, intense rows, increasing tension and unspoken bonds.

Ultimately, the play is about changing characters in a changing world. Directed by Jeremy Sams, the action moves briskly from past (1969) to present (1984), recalling conversations and conflicting emotions.

Neil Pearson, famous for many TV and film roles, is just right to play cantankerous Colin. And Emma Chambers -- known to millions for her dippy role in The Vicar of Dibley -- adds vulnerability to her performance as Colin's downtrodden but ultimately rebellious wife. The play runs until Saturday. Don't miss it.

ROY COOPER