BARRIE Rutters Northern Broadsides company never seems to disappoint, and this new production of Shakespeares romantic tragedy is no exception, as the young audience last night can testify.

You could have heard a pin drop as Romeo professes undying love for the lady of his choice and vows to attend the ball at the arch-enemys home in order to catch a glimpse of her.

But hang on C hes talking about Rosaline, and it isnt until he sees Juliet at the Capulets that his affections are immediately transferred to her.

Thats how young lads are in real life, and you can almost hear the bells ringing in the audience as Rutters talented actors brawl in the street, shouting and slinging insults, until suddenly the knives come out and two people are dead.

These dont seem like actors speaking lines, but real people involved in real events, which makes what happens in the second half all the more painful.

Friar Laurence, strongly played by Fine Time Fontayne, gets the young lovers involved with drugs in what seems at the time to be a good solution but, as Barrie Rutter says in the notes, we all know what that leads to.

Sarah Ridgeway is a delightful Juliet, with Benedict Fogarty making an impressive professional debut as Romeo.

Chris Pearse simmers with anger as Tybalt, and Peter Toons Mercutio dies wonderfully well. I loved the clog-dancing at the Capulet ball, too.

ö Until Saturday May 3. Box Office: 01748-825252