Stunningly physical and ingenious, this Los Angeles based group concocted a fantastic melange of dance, music and acting that enraptured a packed studio at Lighthouse.

The inscrutable plot became irrelevant as they weaved themes, images and direct quotations from Anton Chekhov’s work to magically concoct the essence of his plays.

The five characters, including a stage manager and a compendium known as Waffles, played and danced all the roles with consummate skill and immaculate timing.

While there was all the expected introspection, desolation and futile anger one expects with Chekhov, there was comedy too.

A samovar descended onto the set early, presaging a routine with cups and spoons that included references to Mother Russia and all the repetition of the tea ceremony.

The ravishing heroine Elena was introduced by a cheesy musical motif and never seen until a member of the audience took her role for a few minutes.

An Ink Spots number suddenly appeared and sexual desperation became unrequited longing.

It was wholly unpredictable and totally wondrous.

I left wishing I knew Chekhov better than I do and feeling I’d been given an illuminating insight onto the original texts.

John Billington