Review: A Clockwork Orange ****

An industrial unit in inner-city Sheffield isn't the sort of place you might usually find an amateur theatre production, but it seemed especially fitting for the Open Door Theatre company's adaptation of A Clockwork Orange.

The sparse warehouse with its imposing graffiti-covered scenery sat well with the brutality of the play, which is notorious for its dystopian portrayal of feral teenagers and the "ultra-violence" they carry out by night.

Anthony Burgess's controversial sci-fi novel was famously adapted into a film by Stanley Kubrick, but was later withdrawn by the director after claims that its graphic sexual violence had inspired copycat crimes.

This theatre adaptation bears far more resemblance to the original novel than to the 1971 film, and includes the final 21st chapter – a chapter Kubrick omitted. Burgess's original ending sees the protagonist, Alex, renounce violence and settle down to a happy, adult life, whereas the ending used by Kubrick left Alex still a brutal and crazed teenager.

Among an amateur cast from Rotherham College's performing arts department, 18-year-old Jason Johnson in the lead role stands out, giving a convincing visceral, physical performance.

During the scenes where he is being "cured" of his behaviour using the Ludovico technique – a kind of aversion therapy in which he is strapped down and forced to watch violent films – he writhes around, gagging and shaking, his feet flying out of the chair. At other times, even while he remains silent, a maddened stare prises attention away from the other actors.

Another high point is the live band – SkinBoat – which gives a new interpretation to Beethoven's "Glorious Ninth." The young cast are lively and enthusiastic and the setting is well-thought out.

However, the production isn't without its problems. There seems little point having a video screen on stage if it isn't going to be used for the most important video-based section of the story, while some of the inexperienced cast also had difficulty in making themselves heard.

On the whole, however, this is a an impressive production from an up-and-coming local theatre company, and Jason Johnson is one to watch.

To May 1.