REVIEW: Mischief, Peacock Theatre, October 10 2009

The show opens with some ambient sounds which segue into some clever beat-boxing as the ensemble dash through a darkened set. Then, the lights are hit to reveal a boldly coloured set of small foam towers surrounded by the company in equally vivid costumes, its a bright start for this sparkling show.

We watch on as the dancers take it in turns to play around with the foam towers, superbly designed by Sophia Clist. There is no end to the brilliant ways these cuboids are used. Arthur Pita's choreography is delightful as the cast struggle to control their tricksy charges as they seem to develop a mind of their own. The show is an adventure into a fun and exciting world and some great little stories are told throughout by the seven dancers. There's laughs a plenty as we watch Rachel Donovan trying to keep up with the foam controlling prowess of the others and Frank Winston trying to battle a giant foam-tower-man.

Our journey is accompanied by some great vocal effects and songs from Phil King, Charlie Winston's score is a fantastic backdrop to the movement and vitality of the show.

Mischief is a high quality piece that transcends age boundaries and provides a brilliantly inventive, totally engaging performance. The show is currently on national tour and I seriously recommend booking in some time to cause some mischief.  For a list of tour dates please see http://www.mischieftour.co.uk/

Photography: Patrick Baldwin