THE towering majesty of Sophocles' tragedy needs no embellishment. Adaptor Jonathan Shelley and Works Well Productions have given this central play of the Theban trilogy an almost perfect platform in the intimate setting of the Everyman's studio.

A simple, beautifully co-ordinated set, clever use of lighting and atmospheric sound make for a production that is thrilling and chilling in equal measure. Though much has been cut from the 2,500-year-old original, all the tragedy, the passion and the unfathomable depth of emotion expressed by Sophocles are highlighted by a hard-working cast of five.

David Rex as Oedipus gives a majestic and moving performance of a man blinded in every sense by his passions, condemned by the gods to live a life of pain but to die a glorious death.

This is a little gem of a production. It runs until Saturday. Box office: 01242 572573.

Review by STEVE EVANS.