THE Revenger's Tragedy was a brave and ambitious choice for the Malvern Theatre Players.

This 17th Century Jacobean tragedy is a rarely performed, if a much-studied piece of literature and the Forum Theatre was transformed into an Elizabethan playhouse.

With stage-side seating, music by a small ensemble and period costumes, the MTP succeeded in providing an authentic setting.

The plot is involved and complex. Like Hamlet, it is about revenge and there is a very significant skull! However, this is faster paced and full of the most awful and despicable characters whose only motivations are lust, greed, power and murder.

There is rape, murder, incest, poisoning, beheading and stabbings by the bucket load.

With names like Ambitoso, Supervacuo and Vindice in the cast, you know it cannot be wholly serious and it is full of wit and humour.

The cast, for the most part, carried off the complex and wordy script, adapted by Amelia Marriette. Praise goes to Chris Gunther, who played Vindice with energy and humour.

For all its literary worth, historical setting and gruesome murders, The Revenger's Tragedy is a daring and funny play. And, of course, everyone dies at the end. It runs until tomorrow (Saturday). Sue Vickers.