
Here is one new dance show London
really can’t afford to miss. The Mark Bruce Company Dracula production last year won
a clutch of awards, including the Southbank Sky Arts Award for Best Production.
2016’s The Odyssey reunites the
creative team behind that success both on stage and off.
Based on Homer's Odyssey, the story follows the Greek Odysseus, played by dancer
Christopher Tandy, after ten years of the Trojan War. Before he can return to his home and
his Queen (danced by Hannah Kidd) he is dragged by a capricious god through
another decade of monsters, temptresses and mythical obstacles.
Jonathan Goddard, whose performance as Dracula won him his
second ‘Best Male Dancer’ Critic’s Circle award, was to play the reckless deity to
whose tune Odysseus must dance. But an ill-timed broken foot lead to replacement by the capable Chris Akrill.
Director and choreographer Mark Bruce has created works for
Rambert, Ballet Black and multiple European companies, developing an acclaimed
repertoire of non-patronising dance theatre.
Guy Hoare, the lighting designer behind many a Royal Opera
House spectacle, and set designer Phil Eddolls are responsible for the
ambitious visuals. Praise rained on Eddolls’ Dracula set, so inventively multi-purpose that every scene change
occurred on stage, with everything from carriages to castles morphing into
something new. Costumes are by Dorothee Brodrück
The production refers to but is not tied by its ancient
roots, occasionally swapping Hades and brutal seas for a faded New York pageant
and other modernisations. Music reflects the same variety, hopping from
Mozart to bluesy jazz via some of Bruce’s own compositions.
Wilton’s is London’s only surviving Victorian music hall and
an eccentric as well as atmospheric venue. Recently refurbished to former glory, its vintage gloom and dark nooks
will be perfect for this era-wandering piece - we recommend you book right
away.
What | The Odyssey, Mark Bruce Company: Wilton’s Music Hall review |
Where | Wilton's Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley, London, E1 8JB | MAP |
Nearest tube | Aldgate East (underground) |
When |
27 Feb 16 – 19 Mar 16, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
Price | £15 - £25 |
Website | Click here to book via the Wilton's Music Hall website |