While the Hitchcock classic, based on French novel Sueurs Froides: D'entre Les Morts, transplants the action from a Paris gripped by war to San Francisco, this adaptation sticks to the original setting.

The innovative script allows the entire play to be confined to a single, superb set with the audience playing the part of those watching a lecture by a renowned psychologist.

We are introduced to the 'exhibit' of the lecture and main protagonist, ex-policeman Roger Flavieres, who, dressed in pyjamas, stumbles onto the stage before being hypnotised to recount his psychological downfall.

As the psychologist and his male nurse play the parts of those involved in the story and manipulate Flavieres into acting out his experiences, we see him agreeing to shadow the beautiful young wife of a wealthy industrialist –– who fears for her sanity after her behaviour becomes erratic.

Flavieres –– who is consumed with guilt after causing the death of a colleague –– is soon bewitched by Madeleine and it becomes clear her fragile grip on reality mirrors his own.

The couple's blossoming relationship provides a compelling study in obsession and insanity and after Flavieres' vertigo stops him intervening in Madeleine's suicide he becomes even more derailed.

Haunted by her death and his inability to save her, he becomes obsessed with Renee, whose resemblance to his lost love convinces him she is somehow the reincarnation of Madeline.

Like Hitchcock's masterpiece, this adaptation of Vertigo is a gripping and wonderfully atmospheric thriller and the superb cast gave fantastically energetic performances.

It is difficult to single out one cast member for particular mention as the acting was top notch, but David Acton's turn as psychologist Dr Jacques Ballard added another dimension to the play.

Although essentially a plot device to facilitate Flavieres' reminiscences, Acton's portrayal of the over-zealous, pompous and almost crazed doctor creates an uneasy undertone from the outset and the audience are left to ponder on his own state of mind and the moral questionability of manipulating Flavieres to recount his decent into insanity.

The play runs until Saturday and if you fancy a compelling tale of obsession and insanity with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, Vertigo comes highly recommended.