TREADING uncharted territory has become Madam Renards trademark. When the Swindon company launched the mini Fringe to entice alternative theatre troupes and promote the town as a hub for new experimental productions, the endeavour seemed overzealous.

And yet three years on the festival is thriving and as of last April drawing in companies from the four corners of Europe. Among the shows featured this time around was Madam Renards's The Bridal Ballad.

Spreading its wings further afield the production took up residence at the Mission Theatre in Bath last weekend, offering a glimpse of the festival's offerings and Madam Renards's unique brand of musical theatre - this time inspired by the macabre imaginings of Edgar Allan Poe.

As The Bridal Ballad opens, an impetuous bride is celebrating her wedding day. Dampening the merriment is the protracted power shortage which is gripping the town. As the wedding breakfast gets underway the power fails plunging the party into darkness. Ensues a glum mission to feed the hungry furnace at all cost. As the bride's perfect day unfolds, the guests mysteriously vanish leaving those left standing fearing something may be amiss.

While the wedding contingent swiftly whittles down those remaining share musical tales of death, loss apparitions and madness. From the narrative of Roderick Usher's puzzling illness to William Wilson's story of obsession, each of Poe's work is cleverly entwined in the performance.

Brimming with dark humour and brilliantly put to music by Jessie Thompson, the Bridal Ballad is both delightfully entertaining and chilling. It is certainly putting Swindon on the fringe theatre map with an intricate and original play, unlike anything currently touring South West playhouses.