SMITH dancetheatre is a Norfolk based company that casts professional and non-professional performers. It's fantastic to see people of all ages and abilities on stage together, and the backing the company has received from Arts Council England and all the local great and good is a testament to the drive of director Neil Paris.
The great thing about morality plays, is that the audience always knows the plot. The main character, normally called something like Everyman, begins in innocence, falls from virtue and is then redeemed. This is a satisfying progression: we see Everyman's trials and are glad when it all works out well for the character.
In this production, Everyman is everyone in the committed and excellent ensemble. But because it wasn't clear whether they were redeemed in some way or not, the ultimate effect came across as a little confused.
Billed as a preview, it was apparent from the hesitancy in the movement sequences that this was unfinished business.
I didn't mind the lack of polish, but I did want a clearer picture of what they were trying to achieve.
Let's hope this well attended show at the Playhouse has moved them forwards.
Eve Stebbing
The show was part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.
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