Ordinary Days *** TNT

Four young New Yorkers try to sort out their lives in composer and lyricist Adam Gwon’s insubstantial musical, originally staged at the equally intimate Finborough and various locations in the States.

Gay, slightly nerdy but kind-hearted Warren (Lee William-Davis) is going nowhere fast, spending his days cat-sitting for an established artist and scribbling words on scraps of paper he distributes round the city. Alexia Khadime’s impatient Debs, on the other hand, is desperate to get on and has left her small town life behind for the opportunities of the Big Apple, but things aren’t going according to her rather nebulous big plan. Their paths cross when he finds her lost dissertation notes, they agree to meet at the Met, and (reluctantly on her part, over-eagerly on his) they form a friendship.

Meanwhile Jason (Daniel Boys) is about to move in with girlfriend Claire who’s none too happy about clearing out sentimental items from her past in order to make way for their future.

Both can see the fault lines beginning to show in their relationship.

Unfortunately, what could have been a rather gentle exploration of the everyday quest for mutual understanding is almost ruined by heavy miking which really shouldn’t be necessary in such a tiny space, even with a live three-piece band on stage.

In contrast to the neat, understated high-rise design, the vocals (well sung though they are) seem too strident for such a private, self-indulgent and sentimental piece. The sub-Sondheim lyrics aren’t always clear and ultimately, “Ordinary Days” turns out to be a very ordinary musical.

Trafalgar Studios (2), Whitehall, SW1A 2DY Tube: Charing Cross (0844 871 7632) ambassadortickets.com/trafalgarstudios Until 5th March £25.00