Gone is a modern reworking of Sophocles' Antigone. This effort by Glyn Cannon places the story in the world of politics, with Creon's every move watched and advised by his group of spin doctors.

The body of Polyneices is locked away in a mortuary, to be used as part of a publicity stunt created by Creon's team. However before Creon's plan gets underway the body is stolen by Antigone.

In her state of mourning and loss she hides the body in a box in her room. The smell of rotten flesh begins to fill the room and the lungs of everyone who enters as the story unfolds.

With a very simple set and few props the show glides along nicely, with scene changes covered by film footage of the fly-ridden rotting body of Polyneices; footage that makes some of the audience look away and intrigues others.

Gone features a number of strong and impressive performances, with the best coming from Julie Hickman as Antigone and Nigel Hastings as Creon. There is also good comic support from the three spin doctors Simon Poole, Tom Davey and Richard Simons.

But as Eurydice, the wife of Creon, Miranda Cook was just an empty shell, entering every scene with the same blank expression on her face.

Gone is a slick modern take on a classic tale - but it does rely on its audience being familiar with the story of Antigone. The script doesn't provide many clues for the uninitiated about the events, deaths and family troubles of Sophocles' Greek tragedy.

Gone is enjoyable with some good solid performances and nice touches of satire. If you know the old go see the new.

(c) Wayne Miller 2004. For syndication rights, please email.