Globe columnist Peter Grant discovers what makes the Everyman's new production of A Clockwork Orange tick ...

MILK, Beethoven and ultra-violence.

They are the curious ingredients on offer at the Everyman.

The multi-versatile Company is bringing the controversial work A Clockwork Orange to the Hope Street venue.

It is the second in their 2018 season following on from the success of the opening show Paint Your Wagon.

Created in 1986, Anthony Burgess' own stage adaptation was written 24 years after the publication of his original novel.

Stanley Kubrick turned it into a film in 1971 with a young star named Malcolm McDowell in the lead role as an amoral, bowler-hatted, milk-guzzling gang leader.

Everyman and Playhouse associate director Nick Bagnall will now re-imagine the work.

It features songs and live music composed by Burgess – the first time this has been used alongside the play in the UK.

So, the Globe asks, were does the milk, Beethoven and extreme violence come in?

The central teenage character, Alex, loves them all and this leads to a mix of misery and destruction.

He has to be stopped - but how?

Is punishment the answer? Or can the world find another way to reform the rebellious youth culture taking over their cities and high-rise buildings.

Nick takes a break from rehearsals to give an insight into this production which asks: between good and evil is there a choice?

He has wanted to direct the classic tale of teen culture gone bad since he saw an RSC production in 1990 where U2's Bono and The Edge created their own soundtrack.

Nick says: "At that point I had no idea that Burgess had composed his own music led by the world of Beethoven."

Nick clearly has his own vision to add to the dystopoian nightmare created by the author.

"The juxtaposition between the glory of Beethoven’s composition, the inanity of Burgess' lyrics and the shocking violence makes for a mix of cabaret, music hall and a visceral theatrical experience."

Nick believes A Clockwork Orange has something to say in 2018.

"It's violent and all still too relevant, throw in a wonderful ensemble - with George Caple as Alex - and we have a real 'horror show' of a night for our audience."

No doubt Nick will celebrate with something a little big stronger than milk on the much-awaited opening night.

A Clockwork Orange – A Play with Music at the Everyman from April 14 - July 12.

Tickets from the box office on 0151 709 4776.