BWW Reviews: SEQUENCE 8, Birmingham Rep, May 8 2014

Featuring as part of the International Dance Festival Birmingham programme, Les 7 Doigts de la Main are currently playing at Birmingham Repertory Theatre with their show, Sequence 8.

Les 7 Doigts de la Main (translated as The 7 Fingers) are a Montreal-based circus company that were founded in 2002. This 90-minute production is a mix of theatre, contemporary dance and circus acrobatics. There is an emotional core to the demonstration and there are themes throughout as opposed to a story.

Sequence 8 was created in 2012 and has been seen by thousands of people across the world to rave reviews. The production is very exciting, mainly due to the risk involved with some of the acts. Although everything doesn't always go exactly to plan, the British public - in particular- love a trier. If a movement or trick didn't go to plan, the company would rerun it until successful; usually never more than twice. The level of complexity is astounding and the core strength of the performers to achieve such tricks is incredible.

The entire cast are very charismatic and watchable. Sometimes the company felt the need to 'explain' what went on in the previous act which felt unnecessary but in hindsight perhaps was needed - it was confusing at times with the concept.

The comedy element is a nice addition as it keeps the performance captivating. There are many levels on which Sequence 8 succeeds; the only thing it lacked, in my opinion, was a more defined thread to tie the show together.

Sequence 8 is playing at Birmingham Repertory Theatre until 10 May.