★★★★☆ Throughout the three pieces performed tonight, Carnaval, Chacony and Gypsy Mixture, there was emphasis on the ensemble, with only fleeting moments devoted to solo performance. Staging was always stark, with an entirely empty space allowing for maximum movement.
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★★★★☆ Without words the actors explore the aftermath of loss with acute observations of body language and memory. In a final act of love, the deceased partner returns, in spirit, in an attempt to free her surviving soul mate from the grip of nostalgia – a highly sensitive piece that left some in the audience wet-faced by the end.
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★★★★☆ Brought to the Ustinov by Worklight Theatre, Monster is a highly inventive one-man show by writer and actor Joe Sellman-Leava. In the space of just an hour, and with few props other than a pair of red chairs, he explores the idea that we all have the potential for violence.
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★★★☆☆ Director Sally Cookson and designer Katie Sykes know how to create the visual spectacle required for this sort of piece. A circus theme resonates throughout as the acrobatic cast make use of ropes, silks and hoops to fashion the ambience of each scene and fill the stage area with their presence
Read More★★★☆☆ Actors will either understand the style of acting required or they’ll find themselves unprepared by drama school and feel a little naked in terms of technique. All of which brings me to the delight one has in a performer such as Jon Monie, a regular at this time of year (‘by popular demand’) whose performances are as welcome as a hot toddy against the gathering chill outside.
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