IMITATING the Dog - now that's a stand-out name for a stand-out company in its 25th year.

Their interpretations of literary classics such as Heart of Darkness have left their distinctive mark with inspired infusions of high tech - video strong productions using cameras on stage for their stunning brand of cinema-meets-theatre.

A popular thriller noir genre where they take risks and long may that artistic drive and uniqueness continue.

You expect the unexpected.

Macbeth has just five cast members and all are on stage for the two-hour 10-minute performance (which includes an interval).

It is a fast-paced, cleverly structured piece of work 'based on a text by William Shakespeare.'

And there's the rub, as The Bard once said.

Adapting a Shakespeare play has been on the company's horizon for a few years now.

They have staged Shakespeare before. In Chile, in 2011, with an adapted King Lear for a Spanish language version.

They also used Peter Brook’s 1971 film adaptation as a template for a production where characters were cut and merged and the narrative trimmed.

That is pretty much what we see here in this very menacing Macbeth in a setting relocated from Scotland to the bleak Estuary City - a concrete and neon place which is reminiscent of the dark Gotham City from the Batman franchise.

Indeed, the three black-suited Witches are here Joker-like figures.

Imagine a trio of Heath Ledgers.

The effect is sinister and compelling. We hang on to their every word as they narrate the story with acidic asides to the audience.

They relish the brutal downfall of the Macbeths.

When one says: 'Something wicked this way comes,' he/she really means it.

Set in a violent gangland, the visual idea is a clever one. After a slow start, the gloves are off.

The central figures of Macbeth (Benjamin Westerby) and Lady Macbeth (Maia Tamraker) are consistently overshadowed by the creepy coven.

We hear the Macbeth backstory as teenagers and child abuse is referred to.

The Witches (Laura Atherton, Stefan Chanyaem and Matt Prendergast) are a versatile ensemble who provide the earthy narrative where new scenes add explosive twists and turns to the text.

The three actors perform all the other characters.

Re-told and directed by Andrew Quick and Pete Brooks this Macbeth is nightmarish and has a Clockwork Orange feel to it.

There are some things you need to be aware of before you take your seat.

Very strong language, scenes of violence, flashing lights and loud noises.

The Witches certainly enjoy their mission of spiteful mischief in the world that they create for the ill-fated pair.

Imitating the Dog say they set themselves a challenge: to see if they could create a production where the Macbeths can generate some empathy, where the audience might root for them.'

This adaptation clearly has a great appreciation of the original, but it is a re-telling and that involves taking many liberties with the story and text.

They have had fun doing it and it shows.

This is a multi-layered collaboration.

The sound, the lighting, the music, the video all contribute to the bigger picture most notably emerging from the creation of the striking camera and projection material which provides atmospheric interior and exterior locations.

This is a modern Macbeth which pulls no punches.

Verdict: A Re-Boot With A Big Kick

Four stars

The production is on until Saturday.

Tickets from 0151 709 4776