WHEN in Rome, do as the Romans do… but whatever you do, be sure to watch your back.

This is indeed a powerful piece, Shakespeare’s telling commentary on the inherent treachery associated with any form of power game being given fresh impetus by Chris Jaeger’s subtle direction.

Moving through these murky corridors of conspiracy, this intense drama reminds us that we are viewing the eternal human condition, one that will be familiar to anyone who has ever had experience serving on a committee, council or perhaps has a yearning for high political office.

Manipulation is first of these mandatory dark arts and they don’t come any more manipulative than the wonderfully weasel-faced Cassius (Phil Leach) who deftly turns Caesar’s best friend Brutus (Matthew Springett) from sycophant into assassin.

There is some fine acting here as Cassius slowly but surely loads the gun – or this, being 44BC, perhaps we should say sharpens the blade – that will ultimately bring death and ruin to all concerned.

Egged on by Cassius, Brutus undergoes a character transplant, convinced of the rightness of his actions, but in reality a weak fool being sent to his doom by false flattery.

Caesar himself is bestowed with great regal bearing by Nick Wilkes, leading us to believe that perhaps the plotters do have a point when they suspect him of monarchical ambition.

But his monstrous ego will also be his undoing. He ignores warnings about the significance of the Ides of March and that trip up the Senate steps will indeed be his last.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Darby delivers a vigorous portrayal of Mark Anthony, initially as soft-spoken peacemaker between the squabbling factions, and then as a war leader with a penchant for thunderous oratory.

This was the third annual Shakespeare play staged at Worcester Cathedral, and it’s also worth mentioning the increasing prowess of the Rep’s younger members, all of whom displayed a growing maturity and sense of stagecraft.

This was a really fine all-round effort and certainly bodes well for future productions.