The Hebrides Ensemble , Britain 's foremost chamber group bring there new chamber opera, Good Angel Bad Angel , to a packed Traverse. Consisting of only three singers and four musicians, this isn't an opera as many would think it, no grandiose sets, costumes or huge orchestras. Pared down to its essential each part has to be played excellently and with a strong plot behind everything. This production most definitely ticks all the right boxes.

Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's short story Markheim, a story more akin to Dr Jekyll than Treasure Island , with dark themes apparent both in the libretto and also Lyell Cresswell's excellent score which creates a threatening atmosphere throughout.

The plot, which starts as nothing more than a simple robbery and a murder, soon turns into a far more interesting prospect with the arrival of the mysterious visitant (Martin Robson). One moment egging on Richard Burkhard's excellent Markheim into finding hidden gold and continuing his life of crime, the next taunting him, with the fact that no matter what he does he will always lose, unless he changes his ways. What really works well in this beautifully crafted opera is the ambiguity of the ending. The audience never find out who the visitant is, a devil? Or perhaps Markheim's concience. Also left hanging is Markheims final decision. Ending with the words "let them all in" does he mean to kill everyone that gets in his way or to seek their forgiveness?

I am still asking myself these questions and I am sure I will be for quite some time such is the effect of this powerful dramatic opera. It is highly refreshing to see a piece of theatre that is not concerned with wrapping up everything with a nice neat ending. Leaving the audience to do a little bit of work for themselves.

Before leaving the theatre the discussions had already started in earnest and continued long into the night. I haven't seen the Traverse bar so full of heated debate for a very long time, all inspired by The Hebrides Ensemble's wonderful Good Angel Bad Angel.