Macbeth: Fringe Review

November 21, 2011 Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite being advertised as a dance and physical theatre performance, Last Notion’s production comes across more as a piece of classical theatre with added extras. Featuring minimal props and costumes, the show is dependent on the cast creating engaging interpretations of Shakespearian prose; a task it is unable to achieve. With performers split between those that are overly melodramatic and those that massively lack confidence, it’s clear that a longer time spent working on the nuances of the script is needed. The elements of physical theatre seen principally in the portrayal of the three witches and the ghost of Banquo have reasonable potential, and it’s obvious that things would improve with a bit more work.

Greenside, 5 – 12 Aug, 2.50pm (4.05pm), £5.00 – £6.50, fpp173.

tw rating 2/5

Taken from Three Weeks, published online Wed Aug 31st 2011.

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The Station: Fourstones: Fringe Review

November 21, 2011 Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imagination and will power come together in this one man mini-epic that seeks to explore a boy’s impassioned dream of finding an undiscovered rainforest in Northumberland. After learning about a grandfather he never knew he had, Al (Malcolm Hamilton) discovers a secret from the deceased relative who others have fobbed off as mad. Determined to prove his grandfather’s sanity, he organises an expedition on a fantastical whim. Poetically beautiful and portrayed through a brilliant physical performance, this is a coming of age story that effortlessly rouses up one’s own childhood memories. With an unceasing determination and conviction grounded in mythologies and urban folklore, this production acts as a wonderful piece of escapism that brings the absurd into the everyday.

Zoo, 5 – 29 Aug (not 15, 23), 3.00pm (3.55pm), £7.00 – £9.00, fpp300.

tw rating 4/5 

Taken from Three Weeks, published Thu Aug 25th 2011.

Three Weeks 2011 – Daily Edition #21, Aug 25th

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Echoes: Fringe Review

November 21, 2011 Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite the relatively cloying metaphors, Acting Thru Dance create an innovative production that interweaves the disciplines of dance, physical theatre and acting. It follows a woman who reminisces on the highs and lows of her life, and her various actions and decisions are portrayed through compelling choreography that covers a variety of different dance styles. Social media is used as a platform to explore the various pathways in her life. The central character is played by four different dancers, and the role offers a diversity that showcases each individual’s talents. Supported by a decent soundtrack and interesting narrative, this is a commendable piece of physical theatre that offers something refreshingly alternative.

C aquila, 14 – 20 Aug, 2.00pm (2.45pm), £4.50 – £8.50, fpp169. 

tw rating 3/5 

Taken from Three Weeks, published online Sun Aug 21st 2011.

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Swimming with my Mother: Fringe Review

November 21, 2011 Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a tenderness that is only found in the relationship between mother and child, David and Madge Bolger produce a fusion of dance and physical theatre which explores familial relationships in the context of a shared passion. Supported by an overhead narrative, delivered primarily by Madge, which outlines how her love of swimming developed from a young age and was later passed on to her children, the duo perform with an ebb and flow that mirrors the rise and fall of the sea. As heart warming as it is poetic, it illustrates an evident bond of love achieved through metaphor and genuine affection in a performance that conjures up contemplative feelings of one’s own nostalgia.

Dance Base, 5 – 21 Aug (not 8, 15), times vary, £7.00, fpp177. 
tw rating 4/5

Taken from Three Weeks, published Fri Aug 19th 2011.

Three Weeks 2011 – Daily Edition #15, Aug 19th

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The Prophecy: Fringe Review

November 21, 2011 Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irish and contemporary choreography are fused together in this exciting production from Leith based company, Siamsoir. The fantastical tale, which combines dance and theatrical storytelling, provides an innovative portrayal of the art form, and doesn’t disappoint. With impressive performances from the leading dancers – Aaron Jeffrey in particular, whose suppleness and fluidity allows for a somewhat hypnotic experience – it is clear that its choreography has been well thought out. It isn’t without its faults though, as less confident performers whose lack of conviction in their movements doesn’t allow for the seamless transition from one step to the next, creates a static atmosphere; but this is a small price to pay for what is otherwise a highly magical and enjoyable show.

C, 13 – 29 Aug, 12.05pm (12.55pm), £4.50 – £9.50, fpp175. 

tw rating 3/5

Taken from Three Weeks, published Mon Aug 15th 2011.

Three Weeks 2011 – Weekly Edition #2, Aug 15th

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Snails and Ketchup: Fringe Review

November 21, 2011 Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rarely have I witnessed a piece of theatre that stunned me as much as Snails and Ketchup, a darkly comic tale of a young boy whose desire to escape his dysfunctional family leads him to an arboreal existence amongst the treetops. Portraying the story through a fusion of physical comedy and animation, Ramesh Meyyappan creates an incredibly powerful piece of theatre that revolves around the focal point of wonder. With astounding aerial performances and an impeccable use of mime, this undeniably unique production is able to stir the deepest emotions through the use of actions alone. With an original live score from pianist and composer Tze, which plays to Meyyappan’s every move, this is an incredible, unmissable production.

New Town Theatre, 4 – 28 Aug (not 9, 16, 23), 5.00pm (6.00pm), £10.00 – £13.00, fpp177. 

tw rating 5/5 

Taken from Three Weeks published Sun Aug 14th 2011.

Three Weeks 2011 – Daily Edition #10, Aug 14th

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