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This is one story of Bill Shakespeare's which is completely foreign to me, having never seen a production or read the script, which is probably why I found it almost impossible to follow the action. I could identify characters; a spirit, a magician, a twisted being, a jester, a drunk and some royalty, and it was clearly a love story, but then aren't most of Bills? On the whole it didn't matter that I couldn't follow the plot, as there was some nice visual pieces to keep me entertained, and I had fun spotting the references to other dances.

The dancers display some very high levels of skill and work well together. This is a small tight knit group of eight. The ballet seems to combine several different styles, sometimes being in the true classical mould, other times having elements of contemporary dance, such as floor roles, broken lines and turn in. As mentioned, there are references to other dances; we see Eric and Ernie, Wilson, Keppel and Betty, and a bit straight out of Copellia. There may well be others too, that I missed. These snatches are mere hints not out and out plagiarism, and most people would, perhaps, not notice them.

Parts of this production are very surreal. Towards the end of act I, the drunk (Stephano apparently) seems to come across a shapeless mass that has washed up on the sea shore, it sprouts many hands and later discourges a jester (Trinculo) and the deformed Caliban. Stephano was clearly played for laughs and the audience got into the spirit of things. I was completely baffled, but amused. In act II the trio reappear and have a jolly time with a radio, switching between stations and reacting to the different music produced. Even more surreal and very funny.

There were two bits of this ballet that I really liked. The final pdd between Miranda (Lisia Moala) and Ferdinand (Keir Brody) was quite simply stunning, full of grace and elegance, sweep and majesty, and featured one very unusual lift. I could have watched that bit all night. Ariel (Anna Cervantes) plays a huge part in the narrative (she seems to be rarely off stage) and dances very well. This is her first year with the company and I hope to see her again. Even the boss (Darius James) was showing off some of his not inconsiderable skill in this production Lately he seems to have been giving himself roles more in the support role. Here he dances Prospero Some of the pdd's with Ariel are very classical.

So once again, the company produced an excellent night out, and do so on a meagre budget. In the program, Mr James makes reference to the 1998 production and states that they were appealing for proper fundingfrom the Welsh Arts Council, and today they still are. This very hard working touring company, bringing quality entertainment to venues around the countryside, certainly deserve dosh. They deserve a look from you too.