MEET Regan and Goneril, Shakespeare's answer to the ugly sisters.

But it's their personalities rather than their facial features that make them so repellent, as they scheme to strip away their ageing father's last vestiges of power, after the old fool has given the gruesome twosome a share of his kingdom.

Cordelia, on the other hand, stays loyal and loving to King Lear even when he banishes her for lacking flattery when he asks her why she loves him.

It always fills me with excitement when Northern Broadsides come to town as their productions are always fresh and invigorating. Considering the age of this compelling tragedy, it's remarkable how modern this tragedy feels and not a word is wasted of a dialogue so brilliantly poetic in places you feel like standing up and applauding certain lines.

There have been some great, great performances in Shakespeare plays over the years but Barrie Rutter's Lear, under Jonathan Miller's direction, is up there with the best. I saw Tom Courtenay play the part several years ago and thought it wouldn't be bettered. Rutter, intense and captivating, makes you hang on his every word and makes sure the ageing monarch's fall from grace is suitably spectacular if not totally sympathetic.

Trafford raised actress Catherine Kinsella also shines as the lovely Cordelia and I really liked the Fool, played by Fine Time Fontaine.

Yes, that's what it says in the programme. I assume that's a nickname, or he had very cruel parents. Like all Shakespeare's Fools, this colourful character speaks many home truths.

King Lear is currently playing at The Lowry - yet another direct hit from Northern Broadsides. For me, they're one of the most exciting theatre companies around.

* Until May 9. The box office is on 0843 208 6000. Star rating - ****