one4review | On 14, Aug 2019

Canadian based Flip Fabrique promise to take you on a “crazy, poetic and gentle journey in the dead of winter” which doesn’t give you any real idea of what is about to unfold and that’s probably for the best.

We open with some beautiful and death defying dance movements that, if I’m honest, I would have been happy to watch for the rest of the hour. The show then takes us on the promised journey into the dark depths of the blizzard.

We are introduced to our extremely multi talented musician who plays his piano on wheels as performers move around him, giving you the sense that this show will be quite dark and intense, then suddenly we are met with an almost clown like situation and the illusion is gone. This is by no means a negative, however there were times I wanted us to get back to the performance promised by the start. I appreciate that you need something to fill time while the next ‘big performance’ is set up, I would have been happy seeing some moments to allow the dancers time on their own on stage instead of the slapstick. (The hula hoops did win me back around).

Blizzard is truly breath-taking at times and audience members cheered and gasped as ever increasing pieces were achieved, culminating in a dangerous and adrenaline filled final piece that will leave you extremely happy you came.
****
Reviewed by Matthew
Assembly Hall – Main Hall
16.25 (1hr 5min)
Until 26th (not 19th)