Review: GOLEM, Bristol Old Vic

How much are you in control of the choices you make? That is the central question posed by 1927's Golem - a story inspired by the myth of the clay man Golem but given a distinctly modern edge over 90mins of exhilarating and ingenious theatre.

In this warped vision of our world, the Golem starts as a friendly helper created by an eccentric inventor. Soon though, Golem is worming his way into every aspect of life - helping decide what to buy, where to go and who to date. Sound familiar? It should do. A Golem now fits inside your pocket.

The brilliance of 1927 is in their surrealist presentation. Told through a mixture of sharp live action and animation (astounding work by Paul Barritt), 1927 continue to show what theatre can be. The projection and animation work seamlessly together to transport us through place and time as it draws our focus around the stage with pinpoint accuracy. There's a playfulness with the art form here that's refreshing, it's a must see for anyone who thinks theatre still has to be stuffy and static.

Philippa Hambly as Robert, the proud owner of the first Golem, hits her marks every time. Rarely has blocking accuracy been so important but with the animations as precise as they are, she can't afford to put a foot wrong - no mean feat in a touring show in different spaces. The rest of the ensemble is just as sharp with Nathan Gregory's turn as depressed French singer 'Les Miserables' an unexpected highlight.

The story takes broad satirical sweeps at everything in modern life from dating, where you input your characteristics and flip through matches, to work where the Golem can complete your work faster than you can. I've often felt the best pieces of theatre hold a mirror up and allow us to observe ourselves. Is this a worrying vision or frightening reality? You decide.

Photo Credit: Bernhard Mueller

Golem at Bristol Old Vic until 3 June

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