• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

Review: The Heads by Blind Summit

February 5, 2013 by Tom Bailey Leave a Comment

Review of: The Heads
Venue:
Soho Theatre

Reviewed by: Tom Bailey
Rating:
4
On February 5, 2013
Last modified:March 22, 2014

Summary:

Puppetry should do what a performer cannot. That is the extraordinary thing about the art form and when executed with the precision, finesse and elegance as in The Heads the result is beautiful, affecting and, I hesitate to write for fear of devaluing, magic.

More Details

The Heads

Puppetry should do what a performer cannot. That is the extraordinary thing about the art form and when executed with the precision, finesse and elegance as in The Heads the result is beautiful, affecting and, I hesitate to write for fear of devaluing, magic.

The Heads cannot be reviewed as a play. It is more appropriately thought of as a piece of fluid art. Quite fitting is it that the performance takes place behind three frames, as in a gallery. Heads, objects and shapes float in chasm-black space as a delicate, morphing narrative unfurls.

Some audience were disappointed by the piece, regretting it not to be more like Blind Summit’s big hit The Table. But credit should be given to the company for creating such diverse work. The Table is almost introductory in comparison to the potentially highbrow The Heads, yet both shows deliver the same at their core. They are raw, honest and daring. No folklore, no frills, just hardcore puppetry. Blind Summit pledge ‘Extreme Puppetry’ and this is what The Heads, undoubtedly delivers.

Mention must go to Jon Whitten for his composition – at times harsh and unsettling it heightened the senses, beautiful and emotive, it was an accompaniment that neither drew attention nor went unnoticed.

Despite its wonder the piece is incomplete and the company continue to develop it. There were moments where I gasped, some when I cried and others when I was just a bit bored. But I have such confidence in The Heads and look forward to when it is finished; I believe it could be a masterpiece of its kind.

CAST:
Mark Down
Nick Barnes
Sean Garratt
Irena Stratieva

MUSIC:
Jon Whitten

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR:
Andrew Dawson

PRODUCER:
Stephanie Hay, Blind Summit Theatre

PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH:
London International Mime Festival


Author: Tom BaileyTom is a theatre maker and writer based in London, England. He covers news and interviews for Theatre Bubble.
T: Twitter F: Facebook

Filed Under: Review Tagged With: puppetry

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Paul O’Donnell talks about his new show Dia-Beat-Es

This February, performer Paul O’Donnell is premiering his new autobiographical show Dia-Beat-Es. Bringing to the stage his own personal experiences [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Plain Heroines talks SCRATCHES at VAULT Festival 2023

We spoke to director Gabrielle Bird from Plain Heroines about taking part in VAULT Festival 2023 with their show SCRATCHES   Tell us [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Anthony Clark on SHE

Anthony Clark is the writer of SHE, a new show interweaving the stories of 14 different women in their twenties, [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Thick ‘n’ Fast talks General Secretary at VAULT Festival

We spoke to co-writers and performers Cassie Symes and Georgina Thomas about taking part in VAULT Festival 2023 with their [Read More]

NEWS / Too Much World at Once tour announced

Set against a backdrop of the climate crisis, the debut from Papatango shortlisted writer Billie Collins is a lyrical coming [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • Does Small to Mid Scale Theatre Touring Actually Work?
  • Paul O’Donnell talks about his new show Dia-Beat-Es
  • The Design Process of David Farley
  • Writing the Perfect Press Release
  • Alice Christina-Corrigan talks Past Life
  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • Amit Lahav - Artistic Director of Gecko Theatre
  • Birthday Suit at the Old Red Lion Theatre
  • Is this the real location of Ambridge?
  • Joseph Grimaldi Clown Memorial Service

Newsletter

Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

About Theatre Bubble

Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

Contact Us

News: news@theatrebubble.com
Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

 

Loading Comments...