Three bare-chested men in mauve tights begin a sixties-style contemporary dance, peaceful and at ease, to a swoony piece of Bach.

Have I come to the wrong show? This is supposed to be about conflicts among a gang of modern day yobs! Then three blokes appear in modern dress; hoodies, beanies, tracksuit bottoms, swaggering and jostling each other. Testosterone is pumping here as the three guys in tights change to look like the others.

In command is the piece’s creator, Anthony Missen, a sneering, taunting bully who oversees the proceedings during which a newcomer bids to join the group. He is put through a series of rituals – forced to sing a ludicrous song, made to imitate a frenzied mime, generally humiliated by the others, who themselves are competing for the number-two position (there’s no doubt who’s number one). They dance wildly, they chant slogans, they stomp around fiercely.

While this is going on, it becomes clear that there is already a hierarchy in place. Some are more withdrawn, one is highly aggressive, one just looks stupid. At one point two of them become snarling dogs on leashes. It’s a moment full of potential violence, hinting that serious damage may be done. Here is the nature of the “Beast” of the title. This is mainly serious stuff, but there’s a lot that’s funny too, and much that’s challenging.

At one point the six of them face us, unblinking, with their hands moving slightly down the front of their trousers. What we learn from all this, and Missen told me it reflects some of his own early experiences, is that, in this culture, each youth wants to belong. There isn’t much choice, so you choose from what’s available, and then go through any lengths necessary to become a member. Because, in this world, loneliness is vulnerable, belonging is strength.

Finally, the boy trying to join the gang gives up. He stands in a suit, looking out at us, clearly dreading what his future will be now.

It’s powerful and relevant.

DAVID BELLAN 4/5