This was simply one of the best presented ensemble pieces you could wish to see. Deadset, already a respected dramatic presence in this city, did well to engage the widely experienced director Megan Dansie for this dramatic production. The audience in the intensely intimate setting of The Mill, where we all, perforce, had front row seats, was totally absorbed from the outset. And together, all seven central cast members had us rapt.

The task was demanding. The setting for nearly the entire action was the Sixth Form library of a private school in Stockport, near Manchester. The script explored the students’ interactions, variously dealing with ambition, insecurity, sex, and both implicit and explicit violence. Significant high school – and societal – ‘types’ were present, skilfully playing with and against each other, often in a disturbing and uncomfortable way. Underlying those tensions and at times extending them were the impending mock exams, leading to the final A Levels which would determine their futures. The action was well controlled, taking its path through stages of rising tension to the climax and its unsettling aftermath.

Each of playwright Simon Stephens’ characters was well devised, and in this production, skilfully played by the cast. However, the cleverly developed ensemble was outstanding, and in some ways the most telling characteristic of the play. Together they had it all: gesture, physicality, voice, timing, stage presence, concentration, use of the space and when needed, the menace of stillness and silence, yet above all, authenticity. It was most impressive theatre, taking us to places beyond the familiar theme of teenage angst.

James Pearce was splendid as the insecure protagonist William Carlisle, drawing us along through his, and others’, growing tension. Charlie Butler was compelling as Bennett, the merciless bully who using his sneering dominance as a screen for his own self doubts. Laura Lines did very well to portray Cissy, Bennett’s girlfriend who, against all evidence, tolerated his extraordinary aggression. It’s a tall order, in such a role and setting, to be convincing as the emotionally dominated yet devoted partner. Zoe Battersby showed impeccable timing, restraint and subtle voice control as the newcomer Lilly. Sebastian Hollingsworth skilfully played her quickly-hitched boyfriend, Nicholas, the most sporting of the group. Amelia Baldock, impressed as Tanya, forever swooning over her teacher. However, on a number of occasions she brought a sense of what an unbiased observer would think of the events she witnessed. At the play’s climax, she showed real ability to deal with extremes. Archie Rowe was most engaging as the introverted yet brilliant Chadwick. He showed restraint during the incessant humiliation at Bennett’s hands, yet was extraordinary in his biting, doom-laden monologue which completely upturned the relationship.

This is difficult theatre to undertake. Deadset Theatre took it on with admirable fearlessness and style.