In Lewes on November 5, five bonfire societies carry 17 flaming crosses through the streets in memory of 17 local protestants who were burnt for their religious beliefs under the reign of devout Roman catholic Queen Mary Tudor. The youngest to suffer this cruel persecution was a 16-year-old bootmaker's daughter called Thomasina, whose independent spirit and strong mind were her ultimate downfall.

Lewes-based Chris Dixon has written a fascinating script which is given powerful significance by an inspired choice of venue and effective promenade staging. The sheer size of St Bartholomews, with its echoing high ceilings, towering marble pillars and mighty altar, creates a formidable force of religious authority. The drama unfolds by candlelight, as we walk beneath the watchful gaze of eerie stone statues and amongst the somber shadows of gothic arches.

Promenade can be stressful if groups are too big and the performance areas aren't well defined, but director Thomas Guthrie ensures a smooth experience through excellent planning.

Before the show the audience is divided into red and blue groups and told to follow an usher with the same coloured torch who acts as a guide through the non-seated event.

While the church inspires a haunting atmosphere, it did throw up some sound issues. Echoing corners made dialogue between Thomasina's family difficult to hear and music during crucial finale scenes drowned out what should have been a dramatic court scene and poignant reading of the names of the Lewes 17.

The pride and passion of Lewes is brought alive by a cast of quality actors who perform with their hearts and deliver well-observed emotions which are genuinely moving.

The award-winning early music consort, The Cardinall's Musick, give chilling choral performances of Tallis, Byrd and Taverner, most strikingly from the organ balcony, where their voices drift up to meet Christ on an imposing cross.

Oddly, this show is within the classical section of the festival programme but for me it was an intensely theatrical production and exactly the type of show I would recommend to anyone wanting a truly Brighton Festival experience.