Inspired by the aftermath of 9/11 and directed by Gerald Thomas, THROATS at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington is full of mystery - but not always in a good way.

THROATS is full of mysteries. Why the title? What are we looking at? What does it mean?

The author, director, music and lighting designer, Gerald Thomas volunteered in the aftermath of 9/11 and was traumatised by the experience. The piece seems to be a throwing together of random recurring thoughts, words, and sounds.

From the dark, smoky opening (with fine piano composition by John Paul Jones) a long, last supper type table faces us with an expressive head (Lucy Laing) embedded in it.

There is a butler (Angus Brown) copiously pouring blood over himself and motley guests while they speak disconnected phrases about momentous or absurd items: crash Afghanistan apple botox independence stammer Jew cheers injustice colonoscopy organic...

Dramatic life and death actions take place continuously, but not being able to construct a meaning leaves the audience disengaged.

From time to time, a siren blares and there is hope for a change of mood but no. Despite excellent acting, staging and music by Johnny Saccone we are glad it is only 80 minutes long.

Thomas clearly has a talent for collaborating with actors, musicians, with Samuel Beckett, Phillip Glass and has worked in the USA, Brazil and Germany. Yet somehow all that skill has not managed to work though his demons and communicate.

* Showing at the Pleasance Theatre, in North Road, N7, until Sunday, March 27.