An army of teenagers throw themselves around on stage as an operation takes place to dissect the concept of love. I Hope My Heart Goes First is an impassioned look at this most powerful of emotions from those who are its starting blocks. They dance it out, fight it out, sing it out, even whisper it to […]
Writings


David Greig: The Monster in the Hall
August 12th, 2011 by Honour BayesThere’s a monster in the hall and it bites, but it’s not what you think – or is it? David Greig’s delightful modern fairytale blends fantasy with reality in a piece of pure, joyous poor theatre. Using only four actors and four microphones kingdoms are created and battles fought and won. The daughter of a […]

Babolin Theatre: To Avoid Precipice Cling to Rock
August 11th, 2011 by Sarah DaviesThis skilled tongue-in-cheek comedy teeters on the brink of musical theatre and mines the genre for all it is worth. The performances of the all-female ensemble cast are notably tight and professional, with well-constructed vocal harmonies and some very effective and humorous choreography. We follow the group as they journey across a mountain in search […]

You Need Me: Death Song
August 11th, 2011 by Charlotte SmithAnyone expecting a clear-cut, weepy number about innocence and injustice may be surprised by Death Song. The piece does show a man on death row, whose final conversations are interspersed with a steamy back-story. However, his aggression and abuse surface gradually. By the time he seems technically and morally guilty, you have been sucked too far […]

Cirk La Putyka: La Putyka
August 11th, 2011 by Charlotte Smith‘Freddie Mercury trampolining’ is one memory of La Putyka. Goodness knows how my subconscious linked this glamorous, gutsy, tongue-in-cheek performance with Bohemian Rhapsody. And fingers crossed the highly professional, thirteen-strong company from the Czech Republic can see the funny side. It is stunning when the stage opens to reveal a large trampoline for two brilliant performers […]