Phaedra's love ****!/2

If you are expecting a boring Greek tragedy, with long meaningless monologues then you are in for a shock. Sarah Kane was a sad and troubled soul who tried writing as a cathartic means of clearing her mind. This story is therefore a mix of the original story by Seneca and her own feelings. Kane was famous, before her suicide in 1999, for unashamedly laying out the viscera of life (hence the company's name? The play is presented by the Corazon de Vaca – the heart of the cow) and she has certainly dragged out the entrails in this play.

Immediately after his marriage, Theseus leaves his new bride Phaedra (Caitlin MacLoughlin) and her daughter Stophe (Mischa Ipp) with his son Hippolytus (Tim Watts) who is a self-centred, bored and promiscuous waster. Phaedra calls on the advice of a psychiatrist in an attempt to help Hippolytus and cure his filthy habits. The psychiatrist sees through her and realises that she is deeply in love with her stepson. Phaedra then confides in her daughter of her love, only to be warned that he loves once and then casts aside.

Will Phaedra change Hippolytus? What if her husband returns?

The whole cast are brilliant, not a weak moment. Watt oozed slime, and was horrendously disturbing. MacLoughlin as Phaedra was outstanding; she wept, trembled and poured out her soul in an attempt to win her stepson’s heart. Tremendously powerful acting.

Thanks to director, Julian Fuentes Reta, this was acting at its best. Brilliant lighting and sound. Sorry, but no programme available so I apologise for incorrect spellings of names and omissions in credits.

Thoroughly recommended. Advise you to sit on the tiered seating at the back.