TRANSLATING books for the stage is always tricky. Remain too faithful and adaptations get bogged down in plot and words, while more free-wheeling versions lose the flavour of the original.

This international collaboration uniting theatre companies in Leeds, Newcastle, Paris and Barcelona opts to give an impressionistic, almost surreal, interpretation of George Orwell's account of a time of turmoil in Europe.

As befits its European origins, this vivid mix of words, film and songs is performed by a cast of British (from Northern Stage Ensemble) and Catalan actors in several languages.

A straightforward narrative is abandoned in favour of a series of striking scenes and tableaux against a giant screen showing documentary film footage of the time.

Director Josep Galindo opts for an anything goes approach on Neil Murray's design that employs books, boots, beds, uniforms and even oranges to symbolise events as Orwell observes the changes taking place in Spain as the setting switches from the war front to a chandelier-bedecked dinner party degenerating into chaos.

As I haven't read the book, I can't say how well this adaptation (by Pablo Ley and Allan Baker) reflects Orwell's work. As a piece of theatre, it's as exciting, energetic and unusual as anything you're likely to see for many a year.

West Yorkshire Playhouse until April 3 (tickets 0113 213 7700) and Newcastle Playhouse from April 22 to May 8 (tickets 0191 230 5151).

Published: 25/03/2004