Here Lies Love, National Theatre

You'll need your dancing shoes on for this thrilling collaboration between David Byrne and Norman Cook. And no, it's not at Brixton Academy, but a key part of the autumn season at the Royal National Theatre!

A Unique Experience...

This 'revolutionary musical experience' has already opened to rave reviews at New York's Public Theatre. It is an immersive show in which half of the audience will stand and dance in the 'pit' with the actors, whilst others can choose to sit and watch from the galleries. We are promised 'heart-pounding beats', 'adrenaline-fuelled choreography' and advised to dress comfortably.

The work of David Byrne (Talking Heads) and Fatboy Slim spans musical history from the 70s to the present day, enthralling fans of all ages. But neither is a one-trick-pony, and both have been constantly re-inventing themselves across art-forms over the decades, bringing their unique instincts and understanding of dance music to the forums of film, literature, visual art and now theatre.

The Story...

What might be even more surprising is the subject matter of this show: it charts the rise of Imelda Marcos, First Lady of the Philippines, through to her fall, following the disgrace of authoritarian husband Ferdinand. But if you are familiar with stories of her outrageous, infamous shoe collection then this contradictory mess of politics, glamour and dazzle also begins to make sense.

If you like your theatre fresh and surprising, we'd highly recommend this as one of the most unmissable shows of the theatrical year. Also, as the first show to grace the newly-refurbished Dorfman Theatre at the NT (previously the Cottesloe), this offbeat production signals an exciting future for the theatre's new alternative space.