THE first character you meet in Pomona is Zeppo, as he enthuses about an Indiana Jones film he's just watched, with all the enthusiasm and passion of someone whose discovered a new super drug.

If that doesn't convince you he's not a full shilling his dress sense will, as this dystopian Mr Big is wearing revolting underwear and a Parker coat.

Currently playing at the Royal Exchange, Alistair McDowall's play is the weirdest piece of theatre I've ever seen, dragging the audience through the mire of a world in which life is cheap and those at the bottom of the social pile face gut wrenchingly grim prospects.

The era in which the piece is set isn't specified, but it all has a futuristic feel and a sense of lawlessness as well as a sense of hopelessness.

How you feel for poor Ollie as she's forced to seek Zeppo's help to find her missing sister in the big, bad city.

While the play has some great lines and the seedy gloom is punctuated with some memorable flashes of humour, I was at a loss as to what McDowall is trying to say.

There's no doubt Ned Bennett is a gifted director and he makes you feel you're trapped in a moral free sewer with no means of escape.

As a production this has some strong, abrasive performances, particularly from Rochenda Sandall as the hard nosed brothel Madam Gale and Guy Rhys as the barking mad Zeppo.

My favourite character was the creepy Keaton (Sarah Middleton) whose innocent exterior belies an acid tongue.

A powerful spectacle, Pomona has it flaws and definitely isn't for fans of cosy theatre. That said, some of the lines are inspired.

Contains strong language.

* Until November 21. The box office is on 0161 833 9833. Star rating - ***