Sean Holmes's decision to revive this classic anti-colonial and anti-imperialist play which promotes pacifism is an inspired one as tensions continue to rise in Iraq.

Many critics were enraged by the original production, first performed in 1959 at London's Royal Court Theatre, an occurrence unthinkable today.

While fewer people now question the futility of war, many will struggle to understand the underlying theme behind this somewhat confused play.

Sergeant Musgrave's Dance remains John Arden's most celebrated work which suggests that he may have peaked too early.

This is clearly the work of a young man of 29, who having experienced military service as a teenager, penned this work to channel his anger over an incident in Cyprus where innocent civilians were killed by British soldiers.

Coming from the "Writers Group" who collected around Arnold Wesker in the 50's, Arden reveals himself through this work to be a poet who writes plays.

While the plot is fascinating and transparent, the underlying message is not and one is left wondering if this play really is about pacifism.

Holmes's direction superbly transports us to Victorian life in a mining town where the workers are subjugated by a Holy Trinity comprised of a mine owner, the parson and the constable.

The scarlet tunics of the army clash with the brown and tattered attire of the miners as the mayor pontificates against the strikers resplendent in his robes.

Four army deserters, sickened by what fighting for Queen Victoria's Empire really meant - "killing people on their own streets" and living in squalid conditions, descend on a Northern English town looking for revenge for their wretched army lives.

Along with their Gatling gun they carry the corpse of their dead colleague and pose as a recruitment party, freely spending the "Queen's shilling" and initially clashing with the striking miners.

From Private Sparky's opening mutterings we are aware that this adventure can have only one outcome - the gallows.

Billy Carter's performance as the garrulous Sparky is superbly observed while Maxine Peake delivers the archetypal northern lass as the feisty Annie.

I must also give a mention to Sam Cox whose portrayal of the condescending, pious and exploitative parson brings some humour to this lengthy and ponderous work.

It remains a fascinating portrait where Holmes's direction breathes new life into Arden's seamless blending of song, poetry and even clog dancing.

The play continues at The Playhouse until November 8.