Interactive musical theatre sounds like my idea of a bad dream, yet I was pleasantly surprised. Walking into the theatre the cast are busying themselves, ticking things off a list, writing notes, giving an audience member a coin to toss and playing with the contents of an ample dressing-up box. I am given an envelope and a red piece of paper while being solemnly told not to open them until I hear my cue.
The performance is slightly mad, in a good way, but still absolutely barmy. There is strong element of revisiting childhood games and the line between audience and performer is completely blurred. Many different stories are told, revolving round the mysterious content of small wooden chest, only to be interrupted by another dreamlike tale. All the performers deliver high energy and confidence which is essential for this kind of piece. The audience are pushed out of their comfort zone, but at the same time made at ease. It is an interesting experience to leave the passive position of audience member and become an integral part of the show.
There were some sections which became a little too silly even for my liking and the choices made by the audience did not always seem to have much influence the direction of the piece. Despite this it worked and more importantly I realised my bad dream had become a rather good one.
This is a totally unique experience, which needs a little more refinement, but is time well spent. When do you ever get the chance to guard secret notes, dance, laugh, sing, be part of a circus, tie the knot, be forests, seas and dress-up all in the space of an hour? The answer is not often, so throw scepticism to the wind and join this innovative young company for a raucous time.
