France / Poland, 2013, 96 mins. Dir. Roman Polanski

Alone in a Paris theatre after a long day of auditioning for the lead role in his new play, writer-director Thomas complains that no-one has what it takes to play his lead female characters. When actress Vanda bursts in, a whirlwind of erratic-and erotic-energy things change Thomas see everything he has been lamenting. She is pushy, foul-mouthed, desperate and ill-prepared-or so it seems. But when he, reluctantly, agrees to let her try out for the part, he is stunned and captivated by her transformation. Not only is Vanda a perfect fit (even sharing the character’s name), but she apparently has researched the role exhaustively-down to buying props, reading source materials and learning every line by heart. As the extended “audition” builds momentum, Thomas moves from attraction to obsession…

Showing at 3.30pm, 6pm and 8.15pm.

Tickets: £5.50 (£4.50)

Box office: 01392 667080

www.exeterphoenix.org.uk