FROM the moment the set - a huge black space cut by vertical lines of barbed wire beneath eerily swinging lightbulbs - is revealed, it is clear that this is no ordinary production.

One of the perennial problems facing anyone planning to stage Hamlet, possibly the most famous English language play ever written, is how on earth do you come up with something new, fresh and original. Celebrated Japanese director Yukio Ninagawa clearly has the kind of mind that cuts through such concerns.

Using a sterling cast led by an absolutely brilliant Michael Maloney, he has illuminated the oh-so-familiar play with stark yet striking visuals, inventive costumes, intelligent lighting and great use of sound.

This is a production that concentrates heavily on the look, feel and texture of Shakespeare's dark tale of murder, revenge and madness - a move that, combined with fine acting and direction, enhances the already considerable power of the original text.

Maloney's Hamlet is a wondrous creation, full of extraordinary stagecraft that makes the very most of the complex character of this ill-starred Crown Prince of Denmark.

Urged by his father's ghost to avenge his killing, he sets in motion a tragic trail of events.

Maloney's highly physical performance switches from grief to madness, humour to pathos, without ever missing a beat.

There is an astonishing performance too from Peter Egan as the Samurai warrior-style spirit of the late king and also, of course, the murderous brother Claudius who steals the crown and the queen (Frances Tomelty).

Other highlights include Laura Rees as the sweet but tormented Ophelia and a fine Rosencrantz and Guildenstern (Brendan O'Hea and Nick Bagnall).

There is also an extraordinary leather-clad Fortinbras (Mido Hamada) whose conquering army is a timely reminder that terrible battles occur on both a personal and international level.

A truly inspiring production of a play that is so famous that it is all too often buried beneath its own greatest hits: To be or not to be, Alas poor Yorick, Get thee to a nunnery.

They're all here, but in this production they actually seem to belong.

Hamlet plays Lighthouse at Poole until Saturday October 23. Telephone 01202 685222.