A witty and intelligent romantic comedy from the writer of the award-winning Noises Off and Copenhagen is bringing a touch of Cuba to theatres on its national tour.

Clouds by Michael Frayn comes to the Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre from November 22 to 27, and then to the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, from November 29 to December 4.

The play stars internationally-renowned actress Tara Fitzgerald and Monarch of the Glen star Lloyd Owen in the first major revival of Michael Frayn's tale of two writers experiencing the intense heat of Cuba in the 70s.

World-weary journalist Owen and serious novelist Mara discover that they have both been sent to Cuba to cover the same story for separate newspapers.

Accompanied by an ebullient American journalist, a government tour guide and a chauffeur, the journalists begin to tour the island.

But as they take in the sights and sounds of the country, Owen and Mara begin to realise that in Cuba, anything can happen.

Tara Fitzgerald won the New York Critics' Circle Best Supporting Actress Award in 1995 for her Ophelia opposite Ralph Fiennes' Hamlet in London and on Broadway; and she won a Best Actress award for her role in television's Frenchman's Creek. Other high-profile roles include the films Sirens, I Capture the Castle, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, The Camomile Lawn and Brassed Off.

Lloyd Owen plays Paul in Monarch of the Glen, and has starred in the West End in Closer and The York Realist. A strong cast also features Rolf Saxon, recently seen in The Graduate and Chicago; Darrell D'Silva and Ewen Cummins.

Tara and Lloyd are delighted with their work so far. Michael Frayn had personally endorsed their pairing, as he needed the right chemistry and rapport between his two stars for Clouds. He was searching for what Lloyd called stage weight'.

Lloyd is very intense about his theatre work, and declares that his television work pays for his theatre performances.

He has a wicked sense of humour and is very handsome, very laid back and sincere.

He is the perfect match for the stunning Tara Fitzgerald who is so enthusiastic about Clouds.

"It's all based on personalities and there has to be a sexual charge on stage to make it work," she said.

"Clouds explores relationships with a mix of humour and emotion.

"There is endless mileage in the theme of English people abroad," she added.

Of his character Owen, Lloyd reveals that it's a great role. "It's a great part, playing a hard-nosed journalist, but as the plot continues he is shown to have a vulnerable underbelly.

"The events are intriguing and you have to remember that the time this is set in was free of mobile phones, faxes and emails. Owen worked with a typewriter and no phone," he said.

Lloyd has just finished filming Monarch of the Glen and laughed about the comings and goings of this popular television Sunday evening special.

"Susan Hampshire told me that once at Inverness airport she was recognised by a very genteel couple. They told her how much they look forward to having a decadent TV meal on a tray in front of the screen, turning the volume down and just admiring the Scottish scenery for an hour!"

Both stars are keen to emphasise the scenery and setting for Clouds.

"It's just this wonderful backdrop for Clouds of a sunset and we use chairs and a table for the props," said Tara.

Tickets for Clouds at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre can be booked on 01483 440000. Tickets for the play at Churchill Theatre can be booked on 0870 060 6620.