TOM Courtenay is superb as King Lear in this excellent production of Shakespeare's master- piece.

The actor's voice which has always seemed on the verge of cracking with emotion is eminently suitable for the tortured old man who is destroyed by two avaricious daughters.

This terrible tale of how old people can become a burden on their families seems remarkably relevant to society today when people are living to a greater age than previously.

Moving

And the scenes where Lear is humiliated by Goneril and Regan are marvellously moving.

Courtenay's Lear plummets into madness in a frighteningly real way. But the actor's subtle interpretation makes much of the inherent humour in the role which makes the final tragedies all the more shocking.

This is a long play - note the 7pm start - but director Gregory Hersov keeps the acting moving at a spanking pace.

And there is some superb action. The fight scenes under the skilful director of Renny Krupinkski are exceptionally good.

There are no weak links in the cast. Goneril (Helen Schlesinger) and Regan (Ashley Jensen) are excellent as the sisters you love to hate while Gillian Kearnley keeps Cordelia firmly on the right side of sickly sweet.

Outstanding among the talented players are Terence Wilton as the Earl of Kent and David Ross as the blinded Earl of Gloucester.

Ian Bartholomew plays the Fool with finesse and David Tennant is a wholly sympathetic Edgar.

Adam James - if we had matinee idols today he'd be one - is a suitably dastardly Edmund.

There's plenty of blood, tears and sweat in this outstanding production. DOREEN CROWTHER

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