TRUE to their 'reputation for excellence in physical theatre', Angel Exit's new production The Black Curtain will thrill audiences when it comes to Dorset this week.

The play conjures up a haunting yarn of wayward spies, power-hungry politicians, a duplicitous femme fatale and tough decisions for one man.

With vivid theatricality and inventiveness, this South West-based physical theatre company brings the plight of one man, Frank Harmless, into sharp focus through the lens of film noir.

The Black Curtain presents a gripping, stylish piece of theatre, a slick satire on modern society that is both at once glamorously removed and frighteningly close to the corruption of modern society.

Set in the dark underbelly of a world where shafts of light pierce Venetian blinds and illuminate a trench-coated chorus, this starkly contemporary tale is inspired by topical news stories such as the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko, the death of David Kelly and the bugging of well-known politicians.

The office scenes in fast-forward and reverse are especially effective. The femme fatale and other characters are precisely portrayed more than just an homage, with a critical finger pointed not just at over-vigilant governments but also a compliant media.

Marine Theatre artistic director Margie Barbour said: "Devised and developed by the company, and with an original electro-jazz score by Tom Ball of Headland, The Black Curtain incorporates bold movement and a cracking hard-boiled script.

"It is really enjoyable physical theatre having everything to entertain audiences who appreciate the grip of raw cinema, but relish live performance."

A bi-lingual version of the production was developed in rural Normandy as part of a rural touring project earlier this spring.

You can see Angel Exit's The Black Curtain at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis on Saturday, May 24 at 8pm. Tickets cost £7.50 from Lyme TIC on 01297 442138.