Theatre Ad Infinitum re-invents the great and very ancient traditions of mime and clowning
Behind the Mirror
Theatre Ad Infinitum
Pleasance Courtyard
*****
What do you do when your mirror image despises you, slips through the glass divide, beats you up and carries off your girlfriend? Do you stand by helplessly and watch as your lustful alter ego has his evil way with her, or do you step through the looking-glass like a knight in shining armour to rescue the damsel who actually doesn't seem to be suffering too much distress?
Theatre Ad Infinitum's trio of Lecoq-trained actors tackle this plot with gusto to create a mercilessly energetic, hilariously funny, fast-paced piece of Marx Brothers style action. On a deeper level, this could be seen as a metaphor for a simple, ordinary and insecure man, battling with his inner urges, but who needs metaphors when you have such wonderful, whacky and perfectly executed physical comedy?
Behind the Mirror is simple, yet rich in details that perfect the gags. The sound effects made by the actors themselves, like the squeaking of dental floss as it passes back and forth between our hero's teeth, are the finishing touches to the jokes. The gibberish language spoken by the lovers is both endearing and funny. Lurking behind the surface simplicity, there is a wealth of clever invention that never fails to delight and surprise. The movement is superb and brings all the antics of cartoon characters to life in flesh and blood.
Theatre Ad Infinitum re-invents the great and very ancient traditions of mime and clowning. The actors are masters at an age-old and universal gestural language of comedy in innovative and invigorating new forms that should engage young and old across the globe in a very human comedy.
Jackie Fletcher
