THE cramped confines of the Everyman's Other Space studio theatre provide a perfect setting for a Brecht drama.

The Everyman Youth Theatre's production benefited from the intimacy of the surroundings, and the discomforts of working in a small area highlighted the discomforts of the pre-revolutionary Russians.

Twenty young actors showed consummate skill in negotiating the sets and furniture on the opening night last Thursday and managed to keep this multi-scene play moving at great pace while doing all their own set changes.

The strengths of youth theatre were well to the fore - energy, commitment and honesty and the newly-written score by EYT member Emma Clifford was a delight.

The ensemble playing was excellent and there was a mature, intelligent and subtle performance by Amy Davies in the title role as the mother who becomes a heroine of the revolution.

Review by Steve Evans