Garcia Lorca's great Spanish tragedy provided the New Venture Theatre with yet

another opportunity to show off its superb ensemble playing.

His tale of sexual repression and rebellion in a house of mourning under the domination of a monstrous matriarch was given a contemporary translation that provided plenty of humour to lighten the dark tale of five daughters condemned to eight years of mourning, we were told of their frustration and the brooding tension between them.

It was the absence of men from the house and the love of three of the daughters for the same man that led to tragic consequences.

Director Martin Nichols was to be congratulated, not only on his work on the translation but also for extracting such terrific performances from his cast.

Pat Boxall, the matriarch Bernarda Alba, was chilling as she strove to control her children and their emotions.

Out of a uniformly excellent cast, mention should be made of Alex Childs, who gave a heart-rending performance of the rebellious Adela, and Sheelagh Baker who provided much of the comedy as the wily housekeeper and confidante of Bernarda.

For those in search of a truly theatrical treat, I cannot recommend this production too highly.

Review by Barrie Jerram: features@theargus.co.uk