FRANTIC Assembly, now in their 25th anniversary year, are a company renowned for mould-breaking physical theatre.

Their work reflects masterclasses in the art form.

They are also vastly skilled when it comes to conveying mental agility.

They work hard on presenting accessible productions that make you think hard, question and even have time for a laugh-out-loud moment amid layers of serious issues.

I Think We Are Alone, by Liverpool-based writer Sally Abbott, features a cast of six very accomplished actors who play likeable characters each with a story to tell.

Soul-searching monologues make up most of this polished piece of writing co-directed by Kathy Burke and Scott Graham.

The storytelling is delivered via crisp dialogue with some profound poetic observations.

From the outset the diverse characters connect.

And connectivity within modern relationships is the major theme here in a slickly-paced, two-hour 15 minute production including an interval.

We meet proud mum Josie (Chizzy Akudolu) and Cambridge student son Manny (Caleb Roberts).

There's cancer sufferer Bex (Simone Saunders) and taxi driver husband (Graham Turner).

And arguing siblings - HR worker Clare (Polly Frame) and nurse Ange Charlotte Bate who provide the third scenario with a pleasing twist.

Full marks to designer Morgan Large for a striking set.

Moving opaque screens or walls convert into a hospice, disco, apartment and river bank while characters sdanding in frknt and behind them become shadows.

A visual treat.

This is a play that takes you on not one but six journeys.

It is intelligent, poignant, funny and ultimately uplifting.

Frantic Assembly at their best.

Five stars

Brilliantly written - beautifully performed.

The production is at Liverpool Playhouse until Saturday.

Tickets from 0151 709 4776