With high expectations, I like the rest of the British press descended upon the tobacco factory to see the fourth Shakespeare production in two years. Following from the huge success of the immensely psychological "measure for measure", the company has taken another brave step, and decided to perform in no more than ten metres square of stage, a roman epic to rival gladiator, and there will certainly be no disappointment.

Amongst a cast of only twenty, Gyuri Sarossy is stunning in the lead, and from his calm portrayal of a monk only days earlier, has slipped effortlessly into his new role as the ultimate warrior, a man who knows no language but war, and speaks it fluently (although I think my money would still be on Russell Crowe in a fight). The plot is predictable Shakespeare, the tragic undoing of a great man due to a singular fault in his nature, but here it is given a refreshing run-out, and with the dependence on special effects, gigantic sets and thousands of extras, by which Hollywood plies its craft the true talent of the actors comes to the forefront.

The fight scenes are excellently choreographed, and despite being only a few feet away from the audience- I did begin to fear for my head at one point- there is a real sense that they have succeeded in making them "fast, gritty, and dirty" as Fight Director Kate Waters tells me afterwards. Again, there is a true sense of reality and attention to detail, as the fights blend seamlessly into the play, rather than appearing merely as set pieces.

Paul Nicholson is great comic value as ever, playing this time Menenius, and Chris Donnelly also stands out as leader of the rabble. Afterwards, the cast are as friendly as ever, and freely discuss the freedom that comes from playing "in the round" rather than with the audience only on one or two sides, or even the inconsiderate nature of Shakespeare in always writing five-act plays: don't worry if the first half seems long, the break is uneven, but the incredible sense of reduction when Coriolanus appears in the second half more than justifies the director's decision.

This is excellent- go and see it now!

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