MEDEA rolls revenge about in her mouth, her lips twisting words of hate and loathing as if this was the most appetising dish in the world.

For this wronged woman, there is only one taste that can satisfy her tormented senses. She is lingering over an ice-cold dish simply suppurating with vengeance.

Medea is out of her mind with anger and jealousy. Like a mad dog, you must not catch her eye. Yes, the message comes over loud and clear… you don’t mess with Medea, m’dears.

Artistic director Ben Humphrey has made some bold moves with this gripping production at Huntingdon Hall, not only giving Euripedes’s cautionary tale a few nips and tucks, but also hitting on the ground-breaking idea of opening up this Worcester venue for theatre as well as music. So, this is pretty revolutionary stuff all round.

Catherine Standerwick’s portrayal as Medea is outstanding. Like a rearing Indian cobra, she spits her words of retribution at the double-dealing Jason, played with soon-to-diminish swagger by Eddy Westbury.

His arrogance gradually succumbs to the toxin of his wife’s awful intent. Not once does he catch his reflection in the gleaming knife blade that will eventually cut him down to size.

Meanwhile, Ben Matthews as Creon, king of Corinth and Josh Fletcher in the role of Aegeus, discover that their entreaties to Medea are as snowflakes in the Greek sun.

This piece is a triumph for young director Humphrey who – like a mythical character himself – has placed his fates in the hands of the gods with this truly daring production.

Medea also shows tonight (Thursday, May 12) at Huntingdon Hall.

John Phillpott