Tobias and the Angel at the Young Vic

A repeat of the Young Vic's last production in SE1 was a bold decision but probably the right one. Tobias and the Angel is written by the popular artistic director David Lan and was a surprising success when staged as a community opera in the Young Vic's own parish church, St John's Waterloo.

By bringing it into the rebuilt theatre David Lan and his team are showing a trust in the community. The SE1 actors and singers clearly love it and loved being part of a professional production working with top names.

An old problem remains for the audience. Several invited guests found it difficult to locate their seat even with the aid of a map. But once seated, and more important, once the show had begun, one was aware of being in a slightly larger space.

At one moment, with the chorus high in the circular gallery and the stage in the centre of the building, you are surrounded by action. Later the audience finds itself under water with a large fish which must have escaped from the Waterloo Carnival.

This is a story of fascism and death which ends in love and healing.

Darren Abrahams is Tobias and James Laing plays the Stranger. Karina Lucas takes the part of bride Sara with energy and conviction as singer and actor.