Somehow I managed, pace Seamus Heaney and his version, to avoid the epic, 1,000 year old poem Beowulf until now. It is a tribute to Australian Felix Nobis's translation and performance, at the City Arts Centre, that I feel vaguely guilty, and will seek to remedy my neglect at an early date.

The story was born in the 5th century A.D. when the south-east of Britain was settled by a motley group of tribes who brought with them their Germanic culture and Anglo-Saxon dialects. Beowulf was written there, although it is set in Scandinavia, and tells of the extraordinary deeds of its eponymous hero.

And some deeds they were. He slew the great monster Grendel, and pursued another to the bed of the ocean where he fought all day to kill it. Made king of the tribe of Geats, he ruled for 50 years, and was then faced with a terrible dragon. This time his victory was Pyrrhic.

Felix Nobis is a tall young actor with a dramatic presence and a resonant voice. He tells the story largely without frills, relying on its vivid content and golden words to carry the day. The poem is a very concentrated one, and the listener needs to remain alert to its twists and turns. Those who do will be rewarded, for the 70 minutes or so of the performance, by an old classic infused with new life.

Until Fri March 16th. Booking at 01-6770643