John Steinbeck's stage adaptation of his novella has been around for 65 years, and still it packs a satisfying dramatic punch. The author's lifelong fealty to the working class, the kind of people he wrote about, is reflected and concentrated in this drama of hope denied. It touches nerves.

The central characters, good-natured George and simple but blundering strongman Lennie, are nomadic farm labourers. They long for a small place of their own where George would have some independence and Lennie could indulge his love of small animals. It is an impractical dream, but circumstances put it within their reach, only to shatter it with the inevitability of a Greek tragedy.

Around them swirl the other people involved in their final joust with destiny. The ranch owner's son Curley, with a new wife and a viciously jealous temperament, is a threatening force from the time of their arrival. Candy, an old-timer oppressed by age, wants to join their bid for freedom, as does Crooks, the isolated black stable hand. Slim, a senior worker, is a force for sanity; others are watchers of the passing parade.

This production is solid rather than inspired, although Anthony Fox's George and Patrick Byrnes's Lennie hold the centre with authority. Frank McDonald's Candy and Ciaran Reilly's Slim also bring some quality to their roles. All of the others are fully committed and pitch their performances approximately in the right area, but there is a sense that there is more in their collective roles than they are mining here.

Director Tim McDonnell last year founded a Stanislavski actors' studio, and the programme records that many of the actors were cast from this. A wider net might have drawn in others with more to offer the play. That is not to deny the talents, present and potential, of those who have contributed to a satisfying version of an old classic. As always, Robert Lane's set design is a significant asset.

Runs until September 1st; bookings at 01-6703361