THIS compelling and disturbing play, written in 1973 by Sir Peter Shaffer, continues to have as strong an impact as ever. But sadly, the Everyman theatre was scarcely one quarter full for this ”psychological thriller”. Psychiatrist Martin Dysart is confronted with a 17-year old patient, Alan Strang, who has blinded no less than six horses with a metal spike. It seems that Alan has a pathological, religious fascination with horses. Shaffer examines a whole range of reasons why the crime might have been committed and bases his play on a similar crime actually committed in Suffolk. The psychiatrist interviews the young man’s parents who clearly have a share in the blame and questions their son in depth. The latter sees the horses as representative of God as well as having a sexual attraction.

A number of confessions take place during the play, not all emanating from the young man, which ends with Dysart questioning the fundamentals of his practice as the effect of his treatment will remove Alan’s strong religious and sexual commitment and his worship of the horses. This is a splendid and thought-provoking production directed by Michael Cabot, artistic director of the touring London Classic Theatre. With a cleverly designed set by Kerry Bradley, and those horses’ heads forever following and involved with events on stage, there is a relative lack of clutter, enabling the audience to concentrate on the demanding dialogue. Malcolm James is a most convincing psychiatrist whose warts are as transparent as Alan’s. Matthew Pattimore’s portrayal of Alan is just right and has been thoughtfully assembled. But this was very much true ensemble playing and all eight actors deserve congratulations for an absorbing evening in the theatre.