We are at the theatre district’s Sardi’s, anticipating the afterparty on what is one of musical theatre’s greatest nights – the opening of Oklahoma, the first musical collaboration between Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) and Oscar Hammerstein II (Simon Delaney). But the night is haunted by the presence of Rodgers’ former writing partner, Lorenz Hart, played brilliantly by Ethan Hawke.

Lorenz, quickly drinking himself to death, has lost none of his sharp wit, fuelled by his bitterness at his failing career. Lamenting the changes in audiences’ taste and Broadway’s growing commercialisation, he waits for Rodgers, and with each drink, the much-wanted reconnection is threatened by Lorenz’s alcohol-fuelled stream of provocative barbs.

Scott, who won Best Supporting Actor at the Berlinale, is perfect as the childhood friend then collaborator who remains open and sympathetic, but ready to move on creatively. Margaret Qualley is also a revelation as a kind young woman offered romance, while balancing respect as a protegee with an eye on the main chance. Director Richard Linklater and Hawke, who have been working together since the mid 1990s, bring an added intertextuality to this meditation on the big questions about the costs of the artistic life, and the limitations and expanse of creative collaboration.