Under The Dark Moon review at Bristol Old Vic

Posted on: 2015-04-11

Our rating:

Under the Moon is not your average piece of theatre, it is a quirky, mesmerising show which takes you to a place where the implausible becomes reality. The show is utterly breathtaking and full of attitude. I urge you to go see it.


 

Back by popular demand, The Invisible Circus have returned to The Bristol Old Vic this year to present their re-developed rendition of ‘Under the Dark Moon;’ An 80 minute performance based upon a series of human tragedies, interjected with the odd bit of dark humour.

Under the Dark Moon is in many ways, akin to a Tim Burton film. The monochrome, ragged costumes, the whitened faces blackened around the eyes, the morbid undertones of each tale – this show has it all. But keeping with its circus roots, The Invisible Circus bring something entirely new to the stage combining acrobatics and aerial abilities with live music and storytelling to create a visual and auditory masterpiece.

Under The Dark Moon from 10-18 April 2015 at The Bristol Old Vic

Narrated by the Old Victor (Doug Francis), each circus act is given a character to play, their circus talents interwoven into their unique story. First there is Sooqui (Dela Seward), a young girl enlisted with the responsibility of a large box by her dying grandmother which she is never to open. Then there is the greedy Gretchin (Susie Glatt), a girl who is never satisfied for her lot, particularly when it comes to sugary treats. Luna Longsleeves (Justine Squire) has a sense of otherworldiness about her as she floats about the stage, caring only for the flora and fauna around her. Then there are the two bereaved parents, Orio (Christopher Bull) and his wife (Abagail Evans) who deal with the loss of their baby in very different ways. Finally the assistant (Jack Rees) to the Old Victor has his own story, his overly thoughtful and self-deprecating mind resulting in his body sprouting rope and string throughout the show which lands him in a heap of knots. Hence his name, Mr Knotford.

Each of these stories are skillfully intertwined to ensure there is a continual variation between the darker and more comical sketches. Enter Gretchin and her attempts to cram five large lolly-pops in her mouth.  There is a high level of emotion conveyed through the artists’ facial expressions and movements. Themes of sorrow, joy, frustration, temptation and torment are all notable in this performance and are presented in a way which captivates the audience’s attentions from start to finish. Indeed when the seemingly delicate Luna looked as though she were to fall during her Chinese pole act, more than one set of hands rose within the audience as if to catch her. The sheer strength and grace that the artists display during their audacious circus acts is awe-inspiring.

Of course, I could not neglect to mention the magnificent band who near steal the show with their talented, side-splitting performance. Traditionally in theatre, the band are tucked away in the corner during a show, if seen at all. This is not the case for Under the Dark Moon. Playing up to 13 instruments each, inclusive of the more unorthodox wobble board and glockenspiel, the five-man band can be seen prancing about on stage one minute and partaking in a vocal barbershop quartet style piece the next. Willy Brothwood, Mike Fergie, Zac Gregory, Leo Hess and Claude Jovino – are undoubtedly the definition of multi-talented. 

Under the Moon is not your average piece of theatre, it is a quirky, mesmerising show which takes you to a place where the implausible becomes reality; artists swing from the tops of their feet, band members shoot with bananas and babies unravel into long strips of white cloth. The show is utterly breathtaking and full of attitude. I urge you to go see it. 

4/5

Reviewed by Grace Fox for 365Bristol - the leading events and entertainment website for Bristol

Under The Dark Moon at Bristol Old Vic



Article by:

James Anderson

Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.