TWO plays, eight actors and one new writing festival under the umbrella title Northern Exposure.

Huddersfield, by Serbian playwright Ugljesa Sajtinac in Chris Thorpe's English version, is a raw and gritty slice of life.

Coming Around Again: The Armley Story - playing in repertoire in the Courtyard Theatre - is a slice of Northern life or rather, lives, as the piece looks at three love stories in the same terraced house in 1910, 1960 and 2004.

The two premieres couldn't be more different in approach or execution. Huddersfield, directed by Alex Chisholm, has an edgy, contemporary realism that acts like a punch in the face.

The return home of Igor after ten years living in England - in Huddersfield - triggers off the dissatisfaction of Rasha (John Lightbody's angry young man) with his life in Serbia. Much smoking, drinking and swearing follows as family and friends face up to what's wrong with their lives.

If Andrew G Marshall's Coming Around Again, a story of stern fathers, loving sons and disturbed daughters, seems the more ordinary that's not to deny its technical daring. In Sarah Punshon's production the three stories are played out, in and around each other, at the same time.

Two modern-day students set up home with the shadow of a possessive father looming over them. In 1910, an unmarried girl has to tell her father she's pregnant. In 1960, a loving son's behaviour comes between his father and mother.

The actors, who play two, three or even four parts over the two plays, display versatility (and the ability for quick changes) in this ambitious new Northern writing venture.

* Until June 5. Tickets 0113-2137700.

Published: 25/05/2004