Onassis ** TNT

Clumsily constructed, low on character development and disappointingly undramatic, Martin Sherman’s attempt to write the modern day equivalent of a classic Greek tragedy makes heavy going of the last years of the uber-rich shipping tycoon who bedded opera diva Maria Callas then wedded J.F.K.’s widow, Jackie.

There’s too much exposition and not enough action, with Gawn Grainger’s chorus leader ushering us through the essentials in a wasted opportunity to bring a larger than life character to the stage.

Thankfully, Robert Lindsay rises to the challenge of playing the irascible broker of shady moneymaking deals. Light on his feet as he dances to his favoured folk music, incensed at perceived slights and, possibly, complicit in Robert Kennedy’s assassination, his performance injects this clunky production with a dash of much-needed vigour.

Novello Aldwych WC2B 4LD (0844 482 5170) Tube: Charing Cross tube Until 8th January £12.50 - £49.50