Violent yet gentle, brutal yet subtle, arousing yet sickening: this production of A Clockwork Orange is breathtaking. The actors demonstrate utter control of their bodies and raw physical strength as they dance and ballet through beatings, bashings and rape. “Ultraviolence” is portrayed in such a crude and aesthetic way that it is almost frightening to feel yourself gradually succumbing to it. Little “droog” Alex shines as he turns from slick and sly youth gang leader into a helpless victim, and then back into sly and slick grown-up man. Beethoven plays but a small part in the sharp and sexy soundtrack, and the simple black stage provides the calm background necessary for the power on display. “Itty viddy” (go to see) it!

C, 3 – 29 Aug (not 16), 7.15pm (8.35pm), £7.50 – £11.50, fpp250.
tw rating 5/5
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