FOR a play purporting to be a comedy, Neville's Island packs a pretty powerful punch. There are plenty of laughs particularly in the first half but darker doings are afoot after the interval. Four disparate business men are marooned on an island in the Lake District when a team building exercise goes spectacularly wrong.

So far, so funny.

Neville, mediator and solver or cryptic clues, is the team leader. Mark Roberts makes nice Neville wholly believable in a cleverly judged performance.

Then there's Gordon. He's cynical and sarcastic and convincingly brought to life by John Nolan, whose comedy timing cannot be faulted.

Gordon acts as the catalyst for the breakdown of relations among the men.

Angus is the organised, if wimpish participant, played with sensitivity by Andy Withers.

Jason Crompton brings credibility to the part of Roy who has got religion after suffering a nervous breakdown.

Director Alan MacPherson using his actors well, making the most of the comedy then shocking us with some startling revelations.

There are some laughs-out-loud comedy moments which contrast dramatically with the violent emotions which finally engulf the men.

John Nolan has designed a stylised 'Island' which provides an excellent backdrop for the action.

Phoenix are to be congratulated on doing full justice to Tim Firth's sharply observant play. Doreen Crowther

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