The tale – which is based on Poliakoff's own family's experiences – is set in post-revolutionary Russia after the Pesiakoff family lose their luxurious family home in Moscow and are forced live in a run-down train where the father, Nikolai, must take on the mundane role of telephone inspector.

The family are still very much entrenched in the 19th Century way of life, particularly Nikolai who continues to wear his elegant English suit, hold dinner parties on the train and neglect Soviet duties to pursue his own dream of bringing sound to the cinema.

His way of life becomes more and more absurd and as civil war rages outside the carriages, he holds a grand dinner party.

Initially, I found the upper-middle-class family slightly irritating, feeble and self-indulgent, particularly the female characters who seem unable to make decisions for themselves.

But as the story unravels, the audience becomes aware that their weaknesses are mainly a product of 19th Century subordination of women and while the revolution left the country dangerous and uncertain, the female characters do at least realise some degree of independence.

I thought that the production of this play was very impressive, particularly the juxtaposition of family life in the carriage and the raging, barbaric war outside –– which was extremely poignant.

My only real criticism would be that the show – which was almost three hours – was just too long to consistently sustain my interest, although it did allow a gradual and interesting character development to take place.

• Breaking the Silence continues at Nottingham Playhouse until 31st May and tickets are available from the box office on 0115 9419419.