DIRECTOR James Brining’s revival is epic in its staging. Not just the length (a gripping three hours plus but every minute counts) or the look (designer Colin Richmond uses the wide open spaces of the Quarry Theatre to great effect) but in its no-holds-barred emotional content.

Arthur Miller’s play was based on the Salem witch trials in the late 17th Century and regarded as a metaphor for the McCarthy Communist witchhunt in the US in the 1950s. This production uses a mix-and-match approach to period with costumes and set but that doesn’t matter as the “climate of hate” atmosphere is as relevant today as it was before.

Of course, looks aren’t anything. But this staging not only looks spectacular but is stunning emotionally too. Miller has drawn some rich characters to debate the rights and wrongs of the situation as a group of young girls are apparently possessed by evil and accuse virtually all the women in town of being witches.

Martin Marquez’s good man John Proctor is caught up in the hysteria as the finger of guilt is pointed as his faithful wife Elizabeth (Susie Trayling) by the leader of the possessed girls and his former lover Abigail Williams (Kate Phillips).

The performances match the play in power with Marquez’s conflicted Proctor, sturd but thoughtful, trying to do the right thing when all around him are losing their mind and reason. Kate Phillips is frighteningly plausible as the possessed Abigail as Susie Trayling’s faithful wife stands by her man, no matter what he’s done.

Great play, stunning revival.

Runs until Oct 25. Box office 0113-2137700 and wyp.org.uk