HUGELY disappointed by director Sean Holmes' production of Richard III for the RSC, it was with some trepidation that I took my seat for Measure for Measure.

But within minutes of the curtain rising, all my fears were allayed.

The action takes place in Vienna between the wars, and the stark and stylish production bears more than a passing resemblance to the shadowy world of The Third Man. It's the perfect setting for Shakespeare's story of disguise and deceit, vice and corruption.

Tired of office, the Duke entrusts the running of Vienna to his seemingly virtuous deputy Angelo, and disguised as a monk, returns to the city to observe what ensues.

Angelo, seemingly moral, is revealed as a hypocrite when he is consumed with lust for novice nun Isabella, setting in motion a complex chain of events.

The minimalist set, which basically consists of a large brick wall, allows the action to move easily from scene to scene, becoming a railway station or a prison camp.

There are strong performances from all three leads, particularly Emma Fielding as the passionate and spirited Isabella.

Two magnificent comic turns from Simon Trinder as the spivvish Pompey and John Lloyd Fillingham as the verbally incontinent Lucio really light up the production, particularly in the second half.

This is Sean Holmes back on top form.

Christen Pears

* Runs until Saturday. Booking office 0870 905 5060.

Published: 27/11/2003