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HAVING already seen Below Zero's companion piece Elephant Man when it ran in Central Studio last year, I was particularly keen to see how the former would play, especially on the stage of The Haymarket.

Written by Kefi Chadwick, this work similarly explores Proteus Syndrome - the genetic defect in which organs, body parts or bones rise through the skin - but in an altogether more modern context, placing a young sufferer at its centre.

Arran Glass, as lead character Michael, revealed himself from a cloth cocoon suspended in mid-air, before directly contrasting this mobility by making his way towards a seat on stage, clearly unable to use his feet properly.

A suitably sterile white construction cleverly hid key props and was illuminated by light bulbs, creating the doctor's waiting room, wherein he encountered serious young bulimic and "regular ice queen" Marta (Sophie Trott).

His chatty confidence worked to break down her barriers and establish a connection between these two very different people, who were each able to understand elements of the other's pain, and worked hard to conquer feeling "less than nothing" - below zero.

I attended a performance of this work that was populated mainly by school groups, and it was wonderful that they remained silent and engrossed throughout its full running time.

This was due to Kefi Chadwick's brilliant script, and to the excellent performances from the cast of four. Ms Chadwick has a great ear for youthful dialect - "that means you're a right minger" - and captured the embarrassment of late adolescence as well as very real issues and emotions.

A few swear words really authenticated the conversations of these young people, who were angry, upset or in pain, and it was all done without it ever feeling didactic - very impressive.

A terrific Glass and Trott did her work complete justice, generating a frisson between them, and investing each scene with a priceless reality.

They were the channels for the project's combination of a real and a fantasy realm, and handled the task beautifully, aided by the sparky Hannah Seaton as Michael's sister Siobhan, and Patrick Ross as Dr Crandle.

During one of the fantastical sequences, which also showcased the acrobatic skills taught to Glass by Lorraine Moynehan, the latter marched onto the stage accompanied by suitably demented circus music, wearing stilts and brandishing a whip with malevolent glee.

This was inventive, stimulating and top-drawer drama.

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