ORLANDO is an extraordinary piece of theatre, mixing memorable, graceful moments with grotesque caricatures, including a very unflattering portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I.

It’s certainly one of the most unusual plays I’ve seen, adapted from the novel by Virginia Woolf. Watching it is like one of those dreams you have when reality is out of kilter, and the experience is both scary snd strangely exhilirating.

As someone who has always been fascinated by tales of time travel this off-the-wall piece, currently playing at the Royal Exchange Theatre, was right up my street and we follow Orlando as he becomes a she and goes through a rather eventful love life.

Particularly touching is the relationship between the male Orlando and Sasha and the skating sequences between the two characters, played by Suranne Jones and Molly Gromadzki have a breathtaking beauty and wouldn’t look out of place in a top class ballet.

Orlando is a great vehicle for Jones, whose comic timing is second to none. She also has a charm that, like the outlandish charm of this highly watchable play, is impossible to resist.

It sounds very daft indeed, a piece of theatre about someone who lives for 400 years but thanks to a lively script and a stunningly versatile chorus of actors it all makes for a captivating night out, with some laugh out loud, funny moments. If you’re looking for something different, Orlando is perfect for you.

* Until March 22. The box office is on 0161 833 9833. Star rating - ****