Seven couples saunter across Hampstead Heath on a shimmering summer's day voicing their hopes, regrets and simple enjoyment of that elusive emotion - amour.

Yes, it's Love Actually set in a field. Or Before Sunset in a Royal Park.

Skipping through the grass we gatecrash the conversations of the gay couple (Ewan McGregor and Douglas Hodge) who voice wonderment at their newfound right to adopt.

There's the genteel old couple - Eileen Atkins and Benjamin Whitrow - who realise they're widowed childhood sweethearts who've been visiting the haunts of their youth on different days.

Then there's well-heeled forty-somethings Hugh Bonneville and Gina NcKee out on a blind date, supping vintage wine, and balefully ruing their childless status.

As is the case with these multi-stranded ensemble pieces, some bits work better than others. For example, the scene where a young fellah (Andrew Lincoln) is berated for ogling a pretty French girl's knickers just seems lame.

Overall, it's an accomplished home-grown achievement, kicked into life by a wry script and - as you might - expect some faultless performances.

The downside is that many may be fed up watching Metropolitan types whingeing about the hand life has dealt them.

However, being the Heath, the only thing missing is a cameo from George Michael and a van driver.

Tim Evans