THIS is what we want at the Octagon -- a play that has the theatre buzzing.

If this is the standard of production that Executive Director Simon Stallworthy and Theatre Director Mark Babych are going to be staging, then the Octagon is in safe hands.

Babych has directed Neville's Island, which is as polished a production as I have seen on the professional stage.

Designer Richard Foxton should have been brought on to take a bow for a terrific set incorporating rocks, trees and water, which is as realistic as it is effective.

The three actors who splashed their way onto the stage at the start of the play were all applauded and it set the tone for an evening of sheer hilarity, coupled with some dark undertones.

The story is simple. Four businessmen are marooned on Derwentwater in the Lake District during an Outward Bound type course.The different ways in which they cope with the hardships highlight the differences in their characters.

Neville, the team captain, is beautifully understated by Robin Bowerman. Neville, the peacemaker and man of reason, finds that those qualities are not enough to deal with his companions.

Tony Whittle as Gordon, deservedly gets many of the laughs. He's outspoken, irreverent and lacking in any sensitivity. Whittle's timing is immaculate as he attacks all around him, blaming anyone but himself for their predicaments.

As Angus, the "organised" team member John Flitcroft is hilarious. He carries all but the kitchen sink in his rucksack, but frequently forgets what he has. His violent mood change from victim to aggressor is brilliantly done.

Robert Pickavance is Roy, the one who has "got religion" with a vengeance. He teeters on the verge of madness throughout the play and it is a cleverly judged performance.

The Octagon has a hit on its hands with this production -- and deservedly so. Doreen Crowther

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