It is hard to imagine a neater conjunction between subject matter and setting than that conjured up by Creation with its hugely entertaining production of Arabian Nights.

As in a number of previous shows from this enterprising company, the drama takes place in an antique Mirror Tent, the ornate pillars and sumptuous drapes of which perfectly reflect the exotic nature of the material.

More than a century old, the tent once played host to Marlene Dietrich crooning Falling In Love Again.

Something of the sexiness of that occasion is revived in this production - especially when the audience is greeted by a writhing belly dancer, as we were on Press night.

The timing of the production proves to be as appropriate as its setting. Spelled out in many of the tales are moral messages concerning love, fidelity and virtue rewarded, whose value in these troubled times hardly needs stressing.

When, suddenly, we hear reference to "Baghdad, the City of Peace" - as it was once known in the Arab world - we are reminded of how much has changed there. Reminded, too, that these stories were told a very long time ago.

Creation's fast-moving production, expertly directed by Gari Jones, makes use of a version developed eight years ago by Dominic Cooke for the Young Vic.

The tales are enacted by a cast of eight (one fewer than in the original) who between them take on a dizzying assortment of roles.

Some of these involve standing in for the scenery.

I was particularly impressed, during the gripping telling of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, at the way the company gave us the jewel-filled cave by simultaneously turning outwards their dark cloaks on "Open Sesame" to reveal their gloriously glittering linings.

The story - the longest and most entertaining of the evening - features particularly fine work by Tom Edden, as the villainous leader of the baddies, and Pepe Balderrama, as the engaging hero Ali Baba.

The framework for the tales is provided by the story of King Shahrayar (Gary Shelford) who, outraged by the infidelity of his wife, resolves to take a succession of new brides, each of whom is executed after one night in his bed. Shahrazad (Amanda Haberland) breaks this pattern through her narrative skills.

Every morning she leaves off the telling of a story at an exciting moment, so her husband has to let her live to find out what happens next.

The mystery for me was how the pair managed to to get any sleep - or find time to do the other things that traditionally occupy people in bed.

Besides those already mentioned, the cast is composed of Marina Abdeen, Nuria Benet, Miranda Nolan, and Paul Shelford.

Well done to them all. Even by the high standards set over the years by Creation, this is a stand-out show.

Arabian Nights runs until January 13 in the Mirror Tent, BMW Plant, Cowley. Don't miss it.