The most powerful theatre is that which has the ability to emotionally connect with an audience, irrespective of their age, gender or position in life.

Kneehigh theatre company's Tristan & Yseult is one such production, and there should be little surprise at how this magnificent piece of theatre - brimming with the highs and lows of a cardiac monitoring machine - has grown in stature since it first hit the stage 10 years ago.

Based on traditional legend, it re tells the tragic story of the adulterous love between Cornish knight Tristan and the Irish princess Yseult, only this time, Tristan, has a nice line in French language whilst his 'affair' is a rather talented Polish lady called Patrycja Kujawska!

What I really liked about this play was the light and shade; one minute you were laughing at the balaclava clad trainspotting nerds - all members of the Club of the Unloved - the next, you were on an emotional rollercoaster, witnessing not just a play, but some aspect of your own life.

As songstress, Carly Bawden pointed out in her role as narrator, Whitehands, everyone would most probably see themselves at some point in the evening; and I'm sure we all did. Whether we'd care to admit it or not is another thing, for it is hard to be honest about the pain of love and loss.

As always the West Yorkshire Playhouse delivered a spectacularly simple set that was multi-functional in the extreme - a sailing ship, a forest, a 'loveometer', the backdrop for a nightclub brawl and even a moment as the bridal bedroom.

My guest asked if I knew what Tristan & Yseult was about and I had to confide that I had no idea; sometimes it is great to enter the arena unaware of what you are about to witness.

It really was a joy to watch and kept me gripped for the full two hours playing time. "Where does all the wasted love go?" asks one of the cast; I wanted to turn around and look at all those forlorn faces as though I were a fly on the wall.

The play examines the full gamut of human emotion, love, betrayal, forbidden desire, broken hearts and the agony of choosing one human being over another.

Tristan & Yseult blends, beautifully, a Shakespearian style wisdom - "Truth extinguishes doubt" - with music, comedy, grand concepts and a plot that holds you to the end.

A highly talented company, Kneehigh may only be small in name, however, they have systematically proved that they have the staying power to stand shoulder to shoulder with the giants of British theatre. Definitely worth dropping in.

Runs until Saturday 22nd June.