IF YOU dislike obscenity, necrophilia and heads being cut off, even non-gratuitously and in context, best give this production a miss. If cutting edge, less-than-straightforward studio theatre is for you, flock to it.

The story of Judith is from the Apocrypha. An Assyrian general is bent on the destruction of Israel but an Israelite woman succeeds in getting him drunk, seducing and then beheading him, thus saving her nation.

On these bare bones writer Howard Barker hangs an exploration of existential issues, sexual motivation and moral relativism. He does it via elusive dialogue ranging from classical-sounding text to low-life street talk.

Lace Market newcomer Jake Urry, playing Holofernes, is physically right for and has a good understanding of his part. However he doesn't vary the tempo of his lines sufficiently.

The Servant (a splendid Carole Barton) is working-class and down-to-earth. Sometimes functioning as a Chorus, she steps in and out of the action.

Helen Brookes (another Lace Market debut) is excellent as Judith. Besides having a first-class scream, she handles the text well and conveys the strength of her character. After the murder Judith becomes sadistic and amoral - another Holofernes.

Górecki's Third Symphony is used for background.

ALAN GEARY