Often modern theatre can be overly fussy – spending too much time thinking about complex themes and speech, forgetting the power of performance.

At first glance Vamos Theatre were putting themselves at a disadvantage, eschewing all dialogue and covering actors’ faces with masks.

But the masks in Nursing Lives expressed great joy, horror and pain, despite never changing shape. All emotion was created through the actors’ movements, lighting effects, an excellent hospital set and an unceasing soundtrack moving from 1980s pop to 1940s swing to atmospheric piano.

The action took place in a hospital marked for closure in 1980s Britain, as a former wartime nurse returned to remember.

Gradually her memories took over the action, revealing the decision she made which changed her life forever.

The four actors created a cast of instantly recognisable characters, from a workshy demolition crew, to a fearsome matron, and an arrogant GI vying for our hero nurse’s affections.

One highlight was a cinema scene utilising a soundtrack from Brit classic Brief Encounter.

The nurse’s dilemma as her compassion led her to break a wartime rationing rule was played out simply, but with devastating effect.

Nursing Lives was a tour de force– something every aspiring director should watch to understand what can be achieved through physical expression and movement.

Five stars