Set in Paris, the play revolves around three friends—Serge, Marc and Yvan—who find their previously solid 15-year friendship on shaky ground when Serge buys an expensive painting.

Marc, appalled to hear that Serge had paid two hundred thousand francs, scornfully describes it as "a piece of white shit".

Yvan, at last defending himself, sobbingly explains that he tries to be tolerant and agreeable because he values companionship over dominance: their friendship is his only sanctuary in his burdensome life.

The play initially starred Albert Finney, Tom Courtenay and Ken Stott; other actors who appeared during the run included Henry Goodman, Roger Allam, Stacey Keach, George Wendt, David Dukes, Paul Freeman, Edward Woodward, Peter Egan, Art Malik, John Fortune, Ken Campbell, Warren Mitchell, Nigel Havers, Roger Lloyd-Pack and Barry Foster.

[2] Produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers and Sean Connery, the show ran for over six years, closing on 3 January 2003.

The final West End cast comprised Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton and Mark Gatiss (aka The League of Gentlemen).

[3] 'Art' played on Broadway at New York City's Royale Theatre from 12 February 1998 to 8 August 1999, again directed by Warchus and produced by Pugh and Rogers and Connery, plus Joan Cullman.

The original cast featured Alan Alda, Victor Garber and Alfred Molina; the latter was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.

[4] From December 2016 to February 2017, the play, directed once again by Matthew Warchus, was revived at London's Old Vic theatre in order to celebrate its 20th anniversary, starring Rufus Sewell, Tim Key and Paul Ritter.