Bent, Tabard Theatre

Bent is more than a play, it’s as an experience. A vivid picture of Berlin life in the early 1930s when Hitler was first in power, it shows the plight of the homosexuals whose persecution was second only to that of the Jews.

It is of universal interest showing as it does the supreme importance of character in the most dire circumstances, and the final scene of triumphant tragedy is quite unforgettable.

However, it has to be said that this is most probably an idealised version of Dachau life as most survivors have written that it was more a case of "you today, me tomorrow" in that desperate struggle for survival.

All performances were suitably excellent, but outstanding in the leading part of Max was Russell Morton for which he has been nominated for an Off West End award, this was a real stunner. It was good to see Owen Pullar, recently graduated from nearby ArtsEd in his first professional role.

The spare excellence of the set deserves comment and the beautifully produced and informative programme is, unusually, really good value.

Until August 8

Richard Langton