It is clear, long before the two starcrossed lovers collapse together in death in the play's finale, that the Brighton Dome Youth Theatre is not a one-hit wonder.

Highly praised for the standard of their first production, The Man Of Mode in 2004, the company proves with this excellent version of Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet at the Pavilion Theatre that there is much more to come from them.

Their modern-day interpretation of the tragic tale of two lovers from rival families, directed by Penny Cobbold, is visually striking and littered with impressive performances.

On a simple but effective framework set, the young stars Fred Lancaster, 19, and Eleanor Wyld, 17, bring the two leads to vigorous life. Wyld's portrayal of Juliet as she battles the emotions of falling in love and losing her lover exude maturity and sophistication.

The pair's performances in the centrepiece balcony scene are both compelling.

But the strength of the production is not just in the lead couple.

There are several impressive supporting performances from the young cast, including an amusing drug dealer-esque Apothecary played by Neil Faulkner, but none are better than the exceptional Colin Elmer and Stacy Winter as Friar Laurence and Nurse.

Their carefully paced and considered delivery make a crucial counterbalance to the exuberant emotions of the main protagonists.

Winter brings measured humour and emotion to the Nurse and draws loud laughter as she milks Juliet's eagerness for news of her lover.

The play's energetic and actionpacked fight scenes, choreographed by David Oyelowo, are brilliantly enacted.

Oyelowo, star of the BBC series Spooks, has been a key supporter of the theatre group and the impact of his experience and influence is notable. The exact time period the play has been modernised to is confusing.

Judging by the costumes, Friar Laurence has been brought to the Fifties, Juliet to the Sixties, the feuding Montague and Capulet gangs to the Nineties and the foppish, bouffant Romeo to the Eighties. But the confusion did not detract from the overall impression.

This is an accomplished performance from a young cast.

Their next will be eagerly awaited.