THE main thing I took away from Cyrano de Bergerac was that I have never been more impressed with a theatrical performance in my life - ever.

Ben Keaton is without a doubt one the most talented actors I have ever seen perform. Never before have I felt such a compulsion to listen to every single word, to breathe each one in, to absorb them - and there are some seriously long monologues here!

Ben became Cyrano de Bergerac and the audience felt his pleasure, his pain and anguish, and were utterly entertained along the way.

The 30th anniversary festive production from the Exchange transports us back to 1640 when men were either real' men or fops'.

Cyrano is many things: a soldier, a poet, an ace swordsman, a philosopher and an artist.

However, he has an extremely large nose, which is a target for his own self-doubt.

This doubt prevents him from expressing his love for his cousin, the beautiful Roxane. When she confesses her love for a young soldier, Christian de Neuvillette, and he for her, Cyrano comes to the soldier's aid by wooing Roxane on his behalf with beautiful poetry.

Desperate to express his love for Roxane, even if it is unrequited, Cyrano offers to provide Christian with the type of dashing verse that he is associated with. Where Christian has no eloquence', Cyrano offers to lend him his'.

The play - written by Edmond Rostand in rhymed couplets with 12 syllables per line (alexendrins) - has been beautifully translated by Anthony Burgess. The words are beautiful in every sense.

The set is kept simple with the usual wonderful fly-in touches that we expect from the Exchange. A scene towards the end of the first act when masses of flower petals are expelled from the ceiling is just so beautiful it takes your breath away.

Exquisitely directed by Greg Hersov, the cast are one of the best I have seen at the Exchange.

Essentially, this is a first class play, performed at a first class theatre with exceptional acting, direction and design and - as Cyrano de Bergerac himself would say - with panache.

Until January 13. For tickets call 0161 833 9833 or book online at royalexchange .co.uk