Amongst Barbarians, Bolton Little Theatre. Runs until November 9. I HAVE seldom seen a production, professional or amateur, which packs such a powerful punch as this.

Set in Penang, Malaysia, Michael Wall's riveting play examines the reactions of Bryan and Ralph as they face the death sentence for drug trafficking. It also focuses on the way their relatives try to cope.

The intimacy of the Forge Theatre lends itself well to the claustrophobic atmosphere of the prison and the relatives' hotel rooms. Barry Hall's forceful direction is not for the squeamish, but he is right not to compromise any of the play's potent messages about prejudice, fear and inadequacy by toning down the language or the action.

The four-letter words come thick and fast but not one is superfluous given the nature of the play and its characters.

As the loutish, non-too-intelligent Bryan, Joshua Ruding captures perfectly the anger, bewilderment and naked terror of the character, contrasting sharply with the initially laconic attitude of Ralph (Michael Eccles).

Judi Northam as Ralph's mother is another outstanding performer. Her twitchy restlessness and weary resignation tell of a life in which happiness is never an option. She is well matched by Mark Bloomfield as her well-meaning, but ineffectual? husband. Sarah Warden makes their daughter, Lilly, thoroughly dislikeable and pathetic.

Sue Bolus maintains this remarkably high standard as Toni, Ralph's amoral mother. And in the small, but important role of the gaoler, Michael Coyne is believable and sincere.

Patricia Partington (Lawyer) and Dave Gallagher (Barman) complete this most talented cast. The last scene with its drink, drugs and sexual overtones is disquieting and the final gruesome event comes as a shock.

This thought-provoking play leaves us with the question: who are the barbarians of its title? Perhaps not the "foreigners" who perform executions, but the people who have been brutalised by life in "civilised countries" is one of the answers.

DOREEN CROWTHER

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