Major Barbara - TNT

George Bernard Shaw displays his social conscience in this century-old depiction of a father and daughter with opposing beliefs. What begins as an old-fashioned drawing room comedy develops into a strong dialectical drama in which the views of a dedicated young Salvation Army major are challenged by the reappearance of her estranged millionaire father. Simon Russell Beale is mesmerising as the thoughtful but manipulative munitions manufacturer Undershaft who hasn't forgotten his foundling roots and forces Barbara (Hayley Atwell) to face up to the uncomfortable fact that philanthropy comes in different guises. And, while Nicholas Hytner's production makes it clear that weapons are a deadly curse, his capitalist venture proves far more effective in helping the poor than her tea, teetotalism and sympathy.
Olivier at the National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 (020-7452 3000). Until July 3. £10-£30 (part of the Travelex £10 season)