ATMOSPHERIC and intense, English National Theatre's production of The Caretaker was not a play for the faint-hearted.

I must admit I wasn't looking forward to this, but it was definitely Pinter without tears, not just for die-hard fans.

Running at two hours and 15 minutes, it could have been mind-numbingly (and bum-numbingly) boring, but the superb cast kicked plenty of life and energy into this weighty work.

It's an odd play -- all three characters are strange, and the tension in their relationships is tangible. Even the start is unsettling with someone sitting in the dark... alone... for ages.

Malcolm Storry -- well-known for television work including Heartbeat -- shone as vagrant turned caretaker Davies. His character was eccentric, constantly on the move, and his presence filled the stage.

In contrast Julian Lewis-Jones as former mental patient Aston was enigmatic and quiet but his performance was equally strong.

Aston's younger brother Mick was played by Lee Boardman, perhaps best known for his villainous performance as Jez Quigley on Coronation Street. This performance was equally menacing and manic.

Everything takes place in a draughty and rundown apartment recreated by a set with cutaway walls showing breeze blocks and a single light bulb dangling above. Sensitive lighting and creepy music made sure this was a technical as well as artistic achievement.