Tim Supple's much acclaimed multi-lingual production of A Midsummer Night's Dream (at the Oxford Playhouse until tomorrow) has taken on a life of its own. Following success in Delhi, at Stratford and in London's Roundhouse, it is now on national tour, and if the sell-out in Oxford is anything to go by, it will attract many thousands of new admirers.

This is a production where the cast use six Asian languages, a fair amount of English and, apparently, a little Sanskrit; there is a paper backdrop through which the spirits are propelled on to the stage and which, in the course of the first few acts, is gradually torn apart; Titania falls asleep in a knotted hammock and is suspended above the action like a grotesque red chrysalis; and Hermia and Helena have their spat entangled in a giant cat's cradle.

This production is far from being Shakespearian Bollywood. It is daring in its staging and intensely erotic. Forget all you thought you knew about Indian reticence. Here the young lovers carry on like alcohol-fuelled chavs, with a passion that all too easily and credibly turns to violence. They are less than attentive when the local workmen arrive to perform their play, and even the more sedate Theseus and Hippolyta can hardly wait to get their clothes off as their wedding night approaches.

It is also extremely funny. Peter Quince and his friends are a wonderful group of natural comedians, headed up by a stout and exuberant Bottom, played by Joy Fernandes. Joy is a fine weaver and an even greater ass, with some spectacular appendages. The Pyramus and Thisbe play is a splendid effort, with a nice comedy act from the whitewashed wall. There is in fact a neat move from rehearsal to performance, with a toy lion's mask being replaced by a much more subtle wooden one and a doll's face (for Thisbe) discarded in favour of the actor's own appearance framed by a tasteful wig. Once the players are at court, the class difference between them and their aristocratic audience is very apparent and their initial nervousness is almost tangible.

Not unsurprisingly, there is some exotic musical accompaniment, with various wind, string and percussion instruments not only creating a vibrant atmosphere, but also producing pantomime-style noises to echo what is happening on stage.

While seats for the Playhouse may be in short supply, it would be worth trying to catch the 'Indian' Midsummer Night's Dream elsewhere - if you happen to find yourself in Edinburgh, Salford Quays or Plymouth, that is.