Cyrano de Bergerac, in Burgess' vivid and haunting verse, captures the imagination and the heart. I am happy to be able to write that this week's production at the Playhouse brings it stylishly to life.

Cyrano is a complex figure, his endless battle with himself and against the world presenting an eternal fascination to the actor. Gethin Anthony plays the passionate swordfighter with intelligence and flair, making his lengthy speeches in rhyming couplets effortlessly compelling. It is not an exaggeration to say that he keeps his audience spellbound.

This could very easily have been a one-man show, but to the director's credit the five supporting principal roles are perfectly cast and brilliantly realised. The ensemble players are focused throughout, appearing variously as soldiers, poets, orange-sellers, nuns and drunkards; their finest moments are the pre-show, in which the audience is offered oranges and jam tarts together with the odd drunken brawl, and a delightfully silly song-and-dance number on the subject of almond tarts, accompanied by a mirror ball and a giant cupcake in lights.

The direction is tight and pacy, the lighting fun and inventive, and the original score adds a classic finish to the piece. The painted toy-like set somewhat clashes with the period costume and wigs, but admittedly lends an air of theatricality.

The audience of the first night left with varied reactions - some stunned, some moved, some teary, some smiling. Rarely does a student company produce a piece truly unforgettable, but I think this qualifies. Go if only to have your expectations exceeded.