NEATLY staged in the intimacy of the theatre studio, this Emile Zola drama brings out the best in a fine cast who cleverly build the tension until its gripping finale.

Dramatised by Nicholas Wright, the story reveals how attractive Therese Raquin's dissatisfaction with her rather feeble and ailing husband, Camille, leads to a passionate affair with artist Laurent and the first steps to a murder plot.

But with hubby out of the way, guilt grips the worried widow, and Rachel Duncan is a superb Therese who finds that marriage to her lover only leads to fear and panic over their actions rather than joy and contentment.

The final scenes where she and Laurent - brilliantly played by Nigel Lowe - engage in a battle of words over their crime, under the withering glare of the dead man's mute, stroke-victim mother, Madame Raquin (Adrienne Swallow), is breath-taking, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.

There are enjoyable lighter moments in the play, too, especially featuring family friends Michaud (Tom Rowley) and Grivet (Don Harris).

A simple but well designed and constructed set helps stimulate the atmosphere of a fine play directed by Phil Shaw. It runs to Saturday night (June 6).

VERDICT: * * * *                                                                

PAUL MARSTON

For the Birmingham Mail and Black Country Mail