ED2011 Theatre Review: What It Feels Like (Encompass Productions)

Stunning choreography and physicality in this devised piece vividly convey emotion, violence, raunchiness – and a particularly impressive car. Comatose Nick must face up to choices he has made and aspects of himself, represented by spectral, masked figures that creep around his mind, and even rearrange the set. Niftily doubling as stage-hands, they ensure seamless scene-changes, which progress fluidly, as befits a subconscious landscape where memories melt into the present. Disappointingly, the show becomes increasingly sentimental and contrived, and the glaring limbo-themed cliché of the two doors which characters must choose between is difficult to ignore. However, what the script lacks in subtlety is mostly made up for by the absolute commitment of the talented cast and the smooth, stylish production.

C too, 4 – 21 Aug, 4.30pm (5.40pm), £6.50 – £9.50, fpp310.
tw rating 3/5
[hw]

Sections: by Hilary White - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 3/5 | Tags: C Venues, Encompass Productions

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Anonymous

Great review for a great show, however I disagree about with the comment about the “cliché” of the doors – they are a common theme in near death experiences. I’m sure the company made that choice based on their research, at least that’s what their programme says.
Anonymous

Two psychologists who saw the show were heard to say in conversation afterwards that it was a theatrical ‘encounter’ for them, so powerful was the show which had provoked one into recalling a near-death experience he had had as a child when he had ‘chosen life’.

Tuesday August 16th, 2011 12:29

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