‘One comedy and one tragedy. But which is which?” writes Propeller’s director Edward Hall in the programme for the company’s Richard III and The Comedy of Errors. So there’s fun in store, is there, as the stage’s most unapologetic villain murders his way to the top?

Thus it turns out, with Richard Clothier (right) giving us a Crookback who might have stepped — or, rather, hobbled, leg calliper in place — from any of the schlock movies that evidently inspired Hall’s riveting production.

Whether you laugh depends on how strong your stomach is for the sort of ‘designer’ violence that’s served up. The masked chorus of murderers, on the loose amid the plastic curtains and screens of Michael Pavelka’s hospital-based design, even employ a chainsaw at one point. There’s usually music while they work: the sea shanty Down Among the Dead Men is a popular (and appropriate) choice.

All is horribly graphic, save for the slaying of the Princes in the Tower (well-handled puppets both) which mercifully takes place out of view.

Fine performances abound across the cast, all-male as ever with Propeller. Thomas Padden and Chris Myles do excellent work as Hastings and Buckingham, backers of the crazed king who discover that loyalty is no guarantee of safety where he is concerned.

Jon Trenchard makes a touching Lady Anne and Dominic Tye a very regal and vehement Queen Elizabeth.

Richard III and Comedy of Errors are at the Watermill, Newbury, from April 13-30. Performances are sold out, but returns may be available. on 01635 46044.