Islands in the Stream, Salisbury Playhouse

THIS is wordless physical theatre at its best. Four delicately strong Russian Derovo dancers explore the theme of the sea in creative movement, sound and light.

Often surreal, dreamy and haunting, sailors and ships, fish and gulls are conjured up with dramatic and comic effects.

Giant coloured fish swim across the stage, creatures flounder on the sea floor, and people pit their wits against the ocean.

Among the best scenes are the beautifully surrealistic spheres and the floating ball, the coquettish dancing of the sailors, and the whimsical joy of the silent tennis match.

The lighting is mysterious and effective, the soundtrack by Russian composer Roman Dubinnikov is chest-thuddingly powerful, and the dancers always agile and sensuous.

Apart from some unnecessary obscene language and an uneasy taped message to mankind, this is a thought-provoking and quirky theatrical statement, challenging the reactionary response - "but what does it mean?".

And only four people walked out.