Brighton Little Theatre has managed to recreate the dramatic intensity of this award-winning Broadway play.

Penned by Aaron Sorkin, the drama is set in 1980s Guantanamo Bay, in an era before the military base gained its notoriety.

Two US marines are charged with murdering a fellow platoon member during an unofficial disciplinary action, known as a Code Red.

Their trial and the truth behind it unfold in this courtroom drama.

This first-night production began a little shakily, with a few nervously fluffed lines.

It is a long play with a lot of dialogue, which lacked a sense of authenticity in the beginning.

However, by the second half the cast were on a roll, skilfully producing impassioned speeches and the intense drama had the small audience gripped.

Leigh Ward was ideal as laid back, softball-obsessed defence lawyer Lt Kaffee, while Steph Begley shone as patronised female attorney Joanne Galloway.

Des Potton was also strong as the intimidating Lieutenant Colonel Jessep, played by Jack Nicholson in the movie, who eventually gets his comeuppance.