Bryony Lavery's play, produced by Fresh Glory Productions at the Wharf on Saturday, was never going to be an easy one to watch.

The billing had suggested it would be a challenging experience and indeed it was but if such a preview had discouraged the faint-hearted it was a shame for they missed a treat as this was a stunning production.

Frozen is an emotional and quite scientifically-based drama, a thought provoking look at what makes a man a child abuser and murderer and the effect such crimes have, not only on the victims but also on the professionals who work with them when they're convicted.

Jack Jamesí chilling portrayal of Ralph, a serial killer, was disturbingly convincing but as the story unfolded the audience was made to re-assess its own emotional and moral response to abuse as we learned that Ralph had been a victim himself as a child and suffered damaging head injuries too.

His prison psychologist thus posed the question, were his crimes evil or a symptom of illness?

This is a clever play, well researched and with much to say about the nature of criminality and the way we assess each other as human beings. Some superb acting topped off this high quality production, this was cutting edge theatre at its best.

Submitted by Dave and Sue Buxton