From a rolling mass of protruding limbs, encased in a stomach-like skin which at first appears to be a boulder, five performers are regurgitated. Writhing and vibrating they move across the floor. The pile of body parts constantly shift shape, never settling, never at ease. Bizarre and disturbing, this is David Hughes Dance’s new piece, Last Orders. Inspired by the tale of Scottish cannibal Sawney Bean, we are introduced to the characters of a weird and wonderful world where it’s alright to bite your friends. The action takes place in a psychedelic disco, featuring two moving fairground-style mirrors that are bordered by multicoloured bulbs. Amongst the party we meet a horny devil and a man in an executioner’s hood. Joined by the rest of the group, the already sinister atmosphere is broken by the humorous inclusion of a dance to ‘Yummy Yummy Yummy (I Got Love In My Tummy)’. Soon, this seemingly harmless number takes on a contorted, lascivious and savage form. It’s about to become darker. Strong, physical performances are delivered throughout this twisted work, directed and choreographed by Conflux’s Al Seed. The dancers are muscular and emotive in their movements; the choreography is harsh and intense. Last Orders is gritty theatre that just happens to be told through the medium of dance.
