Red Bud *** TNT

While middle classes Brits slug it out verbally in Tribes in the main house downstairs, upstairs things get much more visceral when a quartet of old friends meet up for the 22nd time on the eve of the annual Michigan motocross championship.

They’ve been coming here since high school to “Get high. Get drunk. Get wild.” in Californian playwright Brett Neveu’s short and increasingly unpleasant new play.

Tensions are immediately apparent in the joshing between the old buddies. Jason’s lost his job and sold off his belongings in a garage sale, Shane’s been demoted, and Bill’s brought along his latest squeeze (blonde 19 year-old Janna who soon strips to bikini top and shorts) whose youthful charms bring out the jealously competitive worst in his near middle-aged mates.

Late arrival Greg, with his seven-months pregnant wife in tow, is in a foul mood right from the off. The trouble is, they’re getting older - with all the disappointment that brings – but still insist on behaving just as they did when they were irresponsible teenagers.

Their American dream isn’t ever going to materialise – and they’re starting to realise it. As the light fades and the beer cans and whiskey bottle empty, the atmosphere darkens along with the sky.

There’s nothing wrong with the performances, with Tom Hadley’s super-realistic design (a battered pick-up and real grass you can smell) or with Jo McInnes’ direction – but Neveu’s writing does little more than make an obvious statement and, without knowing more about his characters, it’s hard to care when things turn really nasty.

Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS (020 7565 5000) Tube: Sloane Square royalcourttheatre.com
Until November 13 £10-£15