The Revenger's Tragedy @ Royal Exchange, Manchester

10:53pm Tuesday 17th June 2008

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JUST in case you're in any doubt what to expect, the programme for the Revenger's Tragedy has a blood splattered look about it and depicts a sombre looking Stephen Tompkinson cuddling up to a skeleton.

But nothing can truly prepare you for the emotional impact of a play that still has the power to shock nearly 400 years after it first came to the stage.

Let's just say if you've ordered red wine as your interval drink, you just might be tempted to have something else instead!

The Royal Exchange Theatre has re-discovered that adventurous spirit that was a hallmark of so many of their productions in the 80s and this version of Middleton's Jacobean blood fest grips, disgusts and amuses in equal measure.

Yes, I did say amuses. There's a rich vein of black comedy running through this dark and disturbing play and director Jonathan Moore certainly brings it to the fore.

His decision to transport it to the present day, complete with a pounding punk and dance music soundtrack, has also paid dividends and there are one or two surprises to enjoy along the way.

Tompkinson is mesmerising as Vindice, the man with more grudges than you can shake a sword at.

I loved the way he switches between his toadying, foppish alter ego Piato and the vengeful, seething Vindice.

He also enjoys a great rapport with Damian O'Hare who plays his brother Hippolito and you actually feel like cheering as a menagerie of unsavoury characters are sent to meet their Maker.

And they are a truly repulsive lot. So much so that you'll feel like going home and having a good long shower after wallowing for an evening in this cesspit of immorality.

Gripping stuff, the penultimate play in what has been the most exciting season at the Royal Exchange for many years.

• Until June 28. The box office is on 0161 833 9833.