Pippn

This a curious piece this is but, in the hands of IODS Youth, it was ultimately most satisfying and memorable. As created by a new young – albeit very experienced – production team, it was imaginatively designed, staged and produced. Written in the 1970s, there were no fears of the piece appearing dated in this splendid production. Anachronistic and of its time it may be, but it was fresh and still relevant. The show was more adult than I was expecting; certainly sexier and raunchier, but always in a light-hearted way, to allow us to see the underlying humour. Breaking the fourth wall and stepping “outside the script” were both handled so well. A great ensemble piece but with some experienced strong principals to give it structure.

The movement and the dance routines were very good; this was such a stylishly choreographed show. There were a lot of young performers new to IODS but they were well drilled and yet allowed to express themselves in the right style. The circus skills were put to good use and mostly worked on the simple but effective Big Top set. Costumes and make up were good; in fact so effective, that I had trouble identifying some players from their programme pictures. From the intriguing start, through to the so-called “Theo” ending, this was an absorbing, amusing and surprising show. 

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