THIS is my first acquaintance with Pilot Theatre Company's stage version of William Golding's novel. Somehow I missed the 392 performances staged on tour between 1998 and 2002.

This re-cast revival - which tours until March next year - shows York-based Pilot at its very best as schoolboy survivors castaway on a desert island following a plane crash turn the beach into a war zone.

They turn into little savages progressing from childish games to hunting pigs and, ultimately, each other.

Director Marcus Romer pulls together design, lighting, costume and music into a gripping portrayal of an adolescent society breaking down - ironically as they were being sent away to escape an impending world war.

The weakest, like short-sighted Piggy, are picked on as rules are ignored and the boys start behaving badly in the absence of adults. The hunting and killing of a pig proves a prelude to far darker deeds.

The staging, as the blood-smeared cast clamber over the remains of the aircraft, isn't afraid to insert quieter moments among all the rabble-rousing and violence. Andrew Falvey has more than his fair share as thoughtful Ralph, who finds himself at odds with Alan Park's out-of-control hunter Jack.

* Until Saturday at York Theatre Royal (tickets 01904 623568). Also West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, from November 30-December 4 (0113 213 7700) and Durham Gala Theatre from February 15-19 (0191 3324041).

Published: 01/10/2004