For a debut production Spartaki, yes - they are named after Spartacus, has done everything right. A fine play, full of comedy with a dangerous and dark undercurrent, performed in Scotland 's premier venues. What could go wrong? SpartaKi have assembled a fine cast directed by Neil McKinven, who played Frank in the original production. The action takes place in Kenny's flat as an old ‘friend' arrives for a few days. The friend, Frank, played by the powerful Paul Cunningham, arrives to threaten, cajole and shame Kenny with stories from their past and the news that his mother has cancer. Kenny and Clare (Carolyn Calder) are obviously petrified of Frank but try not to reveal anything to him. Leaving him in the past with their lives they escaped from over a decade ago.

The jokes are razor sharp performed with great comedic timing by a more than able cast. Cunningham gives a stand out performance as Frank, which must have been a challenge for both actor and director to get away from the original characterisation.

They are SpartaKi, and they will not be defeated, this time.