"THE isle is full of music/ Sounds and sweet airs," says Caliban and this new touring production magically uses sound to transport us into a new world.

The instruments are the human voice, showing an astonishing range of percussive, harmonic and rhythmic sound, to counterpoint the narrative.

Prospero's island is further created truly unearthly by designer Jeremy Herbert's inventive use of video and light. The complex challenges of shipwrecks and masques are turned to triumph with effects that will clearly cope with the punishing schedule of 12 venues next year.

There is, however, in no danger of staging techniques swamping the performances which director James MacDonald draws from his cast.

Zubin Varla's Caliban is thoroughly twisted, tormented and amoral as every move and every word is dragged painfully from him. In contrast, Philip Voss's masterly Prospero is all effortless eloquence.

Understated and low-key this is a memorable interpretation of the castaway duke. His epilogue is a masterclass in delivery.

Gilz Terera is striking as Ariel with Nikki Amuka-Bird and Oliver Dimsdale pleasing as Miranda and Ferdinand - their magic shoe dance is a delight. Robert Langdon Lloyd brings the often-overlooked Gonzalo to the fore and Trinculo (Julian Kerridge) and Stephano (James Saxon) point up the bleaker/blacker elements in their characters.The production runs until January. LG