'THIS IS A CHAIR', at The Corn Exchange, on Thursday, November 23

It was brave for Shining Lights to choose to move to the Corn Exchange for its production of Caryl Churchill's 'This is a Chair', particularly since this was the first time a non-professional company has performed it. We were promised a compelling play that would be a challenging experience and something different and it certainly was.

Striking projected images and dramatic lighting perfectly created the atmosphere of this play about communication, control and the lack of control. The 'chair' itself was a powerful symbol used to good effect by this committed group of young actors.

Pete Watts' controlled and tight direction steers us through Churchill's unusual theatrical structure. We are in the realms of physical theatre and see a beautifully choreographed beginning, a superb tube train journey and are invited to explore such diverse subjects as the war in Bosnia, animal conservation, Northern Ireland, genetic engineering, gay issues, pornography and politics. Not bad for a theatre piece lasting thirty-five minutes!

This was very much an ensemble piece with a strong cast of 12 and it would be invidious to comment on everyone's performance. However David Caldwell, Francesca Tambina and Ruth Muttram, created a powerful scene in dealing with an anorexic daughter, forcing her to eat.

In a scene entitled 'Hong Kong' Marc Godfrey, Stuart Hunter and James Elliot sensitively portrayed the problems faced by gay relationships with sensitivity.

Andy Stratford's evocative original music effectively linked the scenes together, enhanced by Tina Harrison's artistic images.

At the end of the performance the audience were invited to attend a director's talkback to find out more about the play, which to be honest most of us wanted to know! Even the cast were asking questions about what the play was about. But that's Caryl Churchill's challenge!

Shining Lights do not regard themselves as youth theatre, more as a training ground for young people to learn skills that will help them in future life, for auditions at drama schools or self-confidence to make their mark on the world. I wish them well for the future.

ROBIN STRAPP