THIS visual adaptation of Henry James’ classic cares not for chronological order.

And a number of critics care not for Nicola Frei’s adaptation, which starts near the end, goes back to the beginning and returns to the present. But, while fellow theatre goers grumbled, I found the time shifts easy to follow.

It did, however, unforgivably paint Gilbert Osmond - played chillingly by Finbar Lynch - as a cold, horrible husband, nothing more. There’s no doubt that he’s a bully, but in this production it was difficult to see any reason - any shred of a reason - why the sparkling Isabel Archer would marry him.

Her decision, more than just confounding as James intended, seemed frankly out of character.

Catherine McCormack did well to portray Isabel’s sad transformation back to front, but it was Anthony Howell who shone as her mild cousin Ralph Touchett, perhaps the one character who truly loses Isabel. To describe Raplh portrayal as simply gentle is not enough, as there is much more under the surface as Howell oes a fine job it letting that show.

Peter Mumford’s gothic set design was memorable and the use of a projection screen worked well.

Before each scene, the actors stood frozen in half-light as in a painting, adding to the foreboding feeling and, although the show dragged in places, Isabel’s decision in the final act still packed punch.