THE programme reminds us of some of the critical reaction to Ibsen's play in 1891 - "an open drain; a loathsome sore unbandaged", "revoltingly suggestive and blasphemous" and "a piece to bring the stage into disrepute and dishonour with every right-thinking man and woman".

Clearly this was a play that shocked. Given the things seen and heard in the theatre these days, it's unlikely that Ghosts could still provoke such outrage. But that doesn't diminish the play which, given a production as persuasive as Hannah Chissick's, still has the power to grip like a vice as a family's secrets are unlocked.

This is played out on Philip Witcomb's fine set, its walls closing in as the drama increases, as a Norwegian village prepares for the opening of an orphanage in honour of the late Mr Alving.

It emerges that he wasn't the fine, upstanding citizen everyone thought he was. Now the sins of his father are being visited on his son Oswald, much to the horror of his mother Helene - just as she's decided it's time to come clean about the skeletons in the family cupboard, a soul-baring that alarms old friend Pastor Manders (Chris Barnes).

Helen Weir's Mrs Alving convincingly moves from uptight widow to grieving mother as she sees her hopes of a bright future fade away.

Andrew Cryer brings an emotional intensity to Oswald, who has a terrible secret of his own that ensures there are no happy endings.

* Until November 6. Tickets (01423) 502 116.

Published: 25/10/2004