Set in the round, the stage is bare, other than a metallic bridge that spans it, a cage-like ring at its centre. A neon sign in vibrant green lights up the side of the bridge, reading Love is Blind.

The stripped-back setting places the focus on costume, movement and music. Their contemporary style sharpens the contrast between the desires of the older generation to manage the love lives of their offspring and the headstrong nature of youth that will have none of it.

The Duke of Milan, father to Sylvia and would-be controller of her destiny, is in formal jacket and tie whilst Antonio, mother to Proteus, is in power suit and heels. The younger generation wears casual dress and sports clothes, and their music is frenzied and wild.

Many of the comedic moments are in the hands of the two servants. The sharp-witted Speed moulds his master, Valentine, like putty in his hands, and pillories Launce, servant to Proteus, as he appraises the ‘virtues’ of Launce’s beloved. The wizened lurcher Lossi, who plays Launce’s dog Crab, is as winsome and whimsical as they come, but Launce retains control of the comedy in the face of such strong competition.

But it is Proteus, played by Lance West, who centres the production. His portrayal of adolescence is compelling, and his display of feelings for his first love, Julia, conveys authenticity. In a production that requires him to shift allegiances from both his friend and his first love to a new love interest, he manages the transition readily.

Capricious immaturity is replaced by self-awareness and repentance. His final moment on stage suggests a reflective uncertainty as to whether he is truly forgiven.

The production contains many moments which add to its richness. Train rides undertaken by Valentine and Julia from Verona to Milan are nicely conveyed by the cast’s use of music and movement. Recorded and live music work well together. A range of accents used from south western to Scottish, and many places in between, brings in a touch of realism.

Although staging choices make sense dramatically, the height of the bridge over the stage means the view from the ground floor of action that takes place on it is uncomfortable at times, particularly for scenes involving Sylvia. But proximity to the actors in the intimate space of The Other Place goes a long way to make up for this.

With its focus on youth, its strong performances, its totally lovable dog, and its highly accessible adaptation, this show works well for families, and makes for a great introduction to the Shakespearean canon.

Proteus was played by Lance West, Valentine by Jonny Khan and Thurio/Speed by Tom Babbage. Julia was played by Aisha Goodman and Sylvia by Siân Stephens. Launce was played by Stu McLoughlin.