ASHES to Ashes has been described as Harold Pinter's 'Holocaust play.'

That, in itself, is all you need to know when you settle down to experience (and experience is the right word) this tense and very intense production from actors Pauline Fleming, Neil MacDonald and fellow thespian here wearing his director's hat - Andrew Lancel.

This provocative one-act play is performed inside Birkenhead Priory which adds to the overall 'somewhere in the country' intimacy.

Before the drama begins a cellist creates a rather sombre sensitive tone.

It is an ideal atmospheric layer.

The simple set features two chairs, a rug and a couple of tables.

The floorboards actually provide a solid supporting role.

It is the dialogue that provides the special effects, so to speak.

Pauline is Rebecca dressed in classic black while Neil is Devlin in casual smart as they say on the best dinner party invites.

But this is no jovial meeting of minds.

It is a stark two-hander where the conversation stops ... starts ... pauses ... stops and yes, you realise you are travelling through Pinterland.

The team of Pauline Neil and Andrew has worked together on the smash hit musical Cilla and it is clear from the outset that this powerful little company is totally focused on this completely different type of theatre.

They are in vastly different territory in this challenging word play: a work indeed of many words, many silences and many moments of warm and cold imagery.

Pauline is beautifully precise as Rebecca - dream-like in her recollections as she recalls the emotions of love and hate.

Neil as the controlling, interrogator-like Devlin seems like a therapist and lover rolled into one.

He is the straight man in a dark double act where the diverse relationships are dissected.

The poster for this three-night Wirral run features the famous Auschwitz camp entrance.

It is an iconic picture that still speaks volumes.

Director Andrew uses simple reverberating sounds to simple yet stunning effect.

You leave the theatre with the phrase 'ashes to ashes' resonating.

This is a first class, powerful production.

It deserves to go on tour playing to those who love Pinter and those yet to experience (that word again) enigma of this literary great.

A huge achievement from this talented team.

Haunting and hypnotic.

Four stars.

The production is at Birkenhead Priory until Saturday (7.45pm start).

Details from 07790098989. Tickets £8, pay at door.