THIS production of Verdi's opera has a modern setting but still achieves the composer's aim of shocking the audience. The first act contains a brutal beating and a gang rape, and the acceptance by all the characters that such violence is normal, even amusing, is shocking.

Rigoletto works for Il Duca, a powerful and wealthy man whose sleazy reputation as a great lover is important to him. The father of a young woman Il Duca has seduced is beaten up when he tries to save his daughter's honour, Rigoletto mocks him and is cursed by Monterone with deadly intensity.

Untouched by his sordid lifestyle, Rigoletto's daughter Gilda is protected from the outside world by her obsessive father. The innocent young girl has noticed a handsome young man on her trips to church, and when he puts in an appearance in her father's absence she falls in love with him. But it's Il Duca, pretending to be a penniless student.

The corruption of the young girl, the father's terrifying plot for revenge and the terrible price he pays for it, fulfils Monterone's curse and brings about Rigoletto's downfall.

Olafur Sigurdarson took the lead at short notice from Alan Opie, who was ill. He was masterly as seedy Rigoletto, reducing the audience to tears with his heartrending plea on his daughter's behalf. As Gilda, Henriette Bonde-Hansen excelled; she captured the girl's innocence and her heartbreak at discovering her lover's betrayal, and her beautiful voice had the audience mesmerised.

The venue also presents La voix humaine Thursday, Nov 30; Peter Grimes Friday, Dec 1; Rigoletto Sat Dec 2. Box Office 087090-55060.