To call Dunsinane a sequel to Shakespeare’s Macbeth fails to capture the full measure of this play by David Greig.

While it begins immediately before the fall of Macbeth, it quickly takes on a life of its own as the English commander Siward attempts to calm a seething nation which he cannot even begin to fathom.

The parallels with modern Britain’s peacekeeping efforts in various countries are clear but the play is strongly rooted in 11th century Scotland with its shifting mists of clans, loyalties and betrayals.

Directed by Roxana Silbert, who has just been named as new artistic director at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, this Royal Shakespeare Theatre and National Theatre of Scotland production keeps a rapid pace.

Following Shakespearian tradition, Greig intersperses the taut drama with a good deal of comedy as we see what the rank and file soldiers really think of their battle for hearts and minds.

In shifting the scenes Greig cleverly also changes the language, replacing the poetry of kings and queens with the ribaldry of drunken and lecherous soldiers.

Dominating the action are Jonny Phillips as a misguided Siward, who seems to physically diminish as his control slips away, and Siobhan Redmond as the impenetrable and mystical Queen Gruach.

Brian Ferguson is also a wonderful

King Malcolm who trots out the most outrageous views with a calm implacability and whose initial simplicity belies a level of cunning which quite takes your breath away.

Taking up the mantle of Shakespeare is a daunting task but Greig has more than met it with Dunsinane which is so richly layered it would benefit from a second viewing.

Until July 2.

Verdict: * * * * *