THERE is a certain something that separates the capable director from the very good; a way of looking at the bare bones of a script and seeing things from an angle that others might not necessarily pick up on. Andrew Potter can do that, and can do it very will indeed.

His production of Dr. Faustus is inspired, right from the opening scene. Two scantily clad angels silently sword-fight in the centre of the theatre in the round, while besuited devils with fire in their hands come on from every direction.

Each scene throughout the play is treated in the same way, superbly lit, approached from the not so obvious angle, making Christopher Marlowe's

masterpiece a joy to watch as well as to listen to.

Potter has taken one of the central themes of the play, that of science versus religion and the quest for knowledge, and updated it. When Mephistopheles shows Faustus the secrets of the world and universe, he does so with a laptop computer.

Faustus is played by David Worley in his last appearance for the professional production Company. He perfectly captures all of the doctor's vanity, naivete, doubt, foolishness and eventual remorse. It is a powerful performance that fuels an already thunderous production.

Potter has cast himself well as Lucifer. His dark, menacing looks are set off by the well-tailored suit of his Fallen Angel and he is flanked by Reservoir Dogs-style bouncers in dark suits and shades (shades from Hades, perhaps).

There is humour in this dark play. Newcomer Richard Lloyd and David Farey are a great double act as Robin and the Rafe, both show a great sense of comic timing. Lloyd's Mafiosi Pope is particularly memorable as is Farey's disturbing portrayal of Gluttony, one of the seven deadly sins.

This is hugely stylish production, a very contemporary interpretation, with the sharp suits and sexy angels of good and evil. The use of chains slapping against the Bad Angel's costume (Corrina Rose) is particularly effective. There is a real sense of menace when she is heard approaching.

I doubt a more memorable production of Marlowe's play can be seen anywhere else in the country.