A STRANGE one this. Nitro - formerly the Black Theatre Co-operative - stage a compelling piece of music theatre exploring sex, politics and Caribbean culture transplanted to England.

A story about hopes, aspirations, manipulation and self-delusion, The Wedding Dance contains just about every cutting-edge credential you could wish for, plus a hefty dose of sensual, gyrating dirty dancing - salsa style.

Yet look around the theatre and it is packed (and I do mean packed) with a predominantly white, middle class and middle-aged audience.

This is not, I hasten to add, a criticism, merely an observation. However it is surprising as I am sure Nitro would agree.

The Wedding Dance is a telling examination of cultural values which focuses on Jose, a Cuban immigrant with a talent for teaching salsa, an eye for the ladies and a meal-ticket wife. Squandering his true potential, Jose satiates himself with selfishness and lust gradually tearing apart the world he has escaped to.

It's a powerful if occasionally disjointed story and the dancing is utterly superb.

The Wedding Dance completes its two-night run at Lighthouse this evening.