"How many ages hence/ Shall this our lofty scene be acted over/ In states unborn and accents yet unknown" asks the conspirator Cassius in Shakespeare's great play of intrigue and the corruption of revolutionary ideals. Ben Naylor's production, played on an almost bare stage where the blood seems to seep in around the edges, is set in the present day, south-east of Rome. The curiously scrappy programme notes make reference to the assassination of Egypt's President Sadat in 1981, and the evening begins with the silhouetted image of a statue being toppled à la Saddam Hussein.
It may be obvious, but it is neatly done, and Naylor's production successfully creates the climate of fear where men wonder whether they will still be alive for dinner tomorrow night. But the bare staging cruelly exposes the inexperience of both the young actors and the director. There are times when this doesn't rise above the level of superior student production, particularly in the awkward doubling and some of the crowd scenes. Dispensing with the interval would also give pace and impetus, particularly to the post-assassination scenes - always the tricky part of this play to pull off.
Much of the acting lacks real crispness, but one or two acquit themselves really well, particularly Alex Blake as the blunt pragmatist Casca and Nick Barber, whose Cassius suggests a canny politician and a flawed human being. I'd like to see this young actor get a shot at Iago.
The production is staged in a lovely new venue, a former chocolate factory, which boasts an interesting space and some ambitious plans. When the weather turns or heating is installed, it will be a welcome new addition to London's theatres.
· Until March 27. Box office: 020-7378 1712.
