Like the film The Krays, this dark play is littered with emotional abuse and violence - which is small wonder as both are from the pen of Philip Ridley.

It follows a day in the life of the morose Cougar Glass (Jason Courtis) - his 30th birthday, in fact - which, through an extreme fear of ageing, he is desperately trying to pretend is his 19th.

The birthday ritual in his flat in an old fur factory is to lure back young, gorgeous boys and seduce them in a vain attempt to hold back time.

On this particular day, the victim is the teenage Foxtrot Darling (Oliver Langdon), who accidentally spoils Cougar's plans by inviting along his fiancee, the feisty, pregnant Sherbert Gravel (Sarah Hannah).

The play starts in a melancholy and sinister mood as Cougar gets ready for his "party". The main interaction is the destructive relationship between him and his partner Captain Tock (Gerard Belp).

This dark introduction is hard to engage with, partly because of the subject matter but mostly because neither character provokes much sympathy.

However, the atmosphere is immediately lightened and the pace quickened when the excellently-cast Foxtrot and Sherbert bounce on to the stage.

The confident, chatty Sherbert and naive but charming Foxtrot inject some much-needed humour into the proceedings as they frustrate Cougar's plans.

There are some genuinely shocking moments and a melodramatic climax which are lively and provocative to watch, although I wouldn't advise sitting in the front row.

The set, with caged, stuffed birds and a corrugated plastic roof, is superb and well-suited to the cosy New Venture and reflects the claustrophobic, frustrated mood of the play.

Despite moments of hilarity, this rather challenging play is not one to see if you need cheering up - it is better suited to those who enjoy the bizarre and original.

Tickets cost £7 and are available from 01273 746118.

Review by Katya Mira, features@theargus.co.uk