Boris Godunov

But those who brave this international production will be rewarded with a breathtaking experience.

I've never seen a play performed on a catwalk stage before and was overwhelmed by the intimate atmosphere it creates.

You are sucked into the tense rhythms of Pushkin's epic play which charts the rise of a young monk from the orthodox ritual of his monastery to the splendour of the Kremlin.

Having little previous knowledge of this play, I was forced to concentrate on the dialogue which appears in English on a screen above the stage. Once accustomed to the style, I both read and watched with ease.

The only problem is the sheer brilliance of the actors. Alexander Feklistov (Boris) and Evgeny Mironov (Grigori) are so captivating that I found myself entranced in their movements.

Although originally set in 1598, Pushkin's exploration of power, identity, love and honour has a chilling contemporary resonance.

Past and present meet most succinctly in a scene reminiscent of a frenzied presidential election rally.

Starring the cream of Russia's acting world, this play crackles with raw energy.

Expect to be mesmerised, amused and left with dark shadows in your mind.

Corn Exchange, Church Street, Brighton until Saturday