This is classed as a comedy, but only insofar as things turn out alright in the end: mercy is dispensed instead of adamantine and unthinking 'justice', and love conquers all. On the way there though, it casts a sharp eye over prejudice, dishonesty and hypocrisy, and even the good guys achieve their ends through deceit and dissemblance - as such it is often regarded as a 'difficult' play. All the more brave to take it on, and to make such a triumphant fist of it.

After a captivating mime to music, depicting the civil (therefore not entirely valid) wedding of Claudio and Juliet, the scene is set in a governor's offices somewhere in the southern United States - and if the Southern accents are a bit of a shock at first, it doesn't take long before the reflection dawns that this is probably closer to 16th century Warwickshire accent than most productions of Shakespeare. The language really fits the context very well indeed.

The hurt of the couple riven by a harsh judgment was truly convincing, and the set piece of torn loyalties and indecision between Claudio and his sister Isabella was, like quite a few scenes in Cate Field's production, genuinely powerful and emotive.

This was an excellent and strong ensemble cast, but mention must be made of Joseph Kenneway who performed three dynamic and very different roles - portraying blind drunkenness quite so convincingly is a rare talent!

Staging was crafty and effective, using the excellent space (which approximates to an Elizabethan theatre with its 'houses' and galleries) and the minimal scenery very convincingly, taking us from lawcourt, to church, and prison. Lighting was clever but subtle, helping to turn the stage into those different locations.

The only slightly uncomfortable element of the production was the occasional use of music to tell us what to think and feel, in emulation perhaps of film. This worked in some contexts, but vocal pieces were distracting, and rather too loud near the front of the auditorium.

The Oxford Theatre Guild never disappoints; this presentation was a fine example of how good it can be.