Children's Show Review: Visualise Reloaded

Published on Tuesday 19 August 2008 23:58

VISUALISE: RELOADED **** VENUE 13

IT'S not often children's theatre truly inspires but this defies anyone, no matter what their age, not to stare in wonder as two techno-clowns present an altogether different kind of science class.

Inspired by the quote "deep meaning lies often in childish play", multi-talented duo Debbie Syrop and Gareth Smith devise and perform a seemingly chaotic but utterly mesmerising hour of play. Taking their lead from the everyday and using the objects found there, they use physical theatre, projected images, music and live demonstrations to show how the smallest change in perspective can create a mysterious canvas of sound, visuals and image.

Bottles of water are poured into each other, creating an incredible whirlpool image. Elsewhere, a video camera, candle and TV monitor create a kaleidoscope of colour. At other moments, simple objects like cabbage, Sellotape, balloons and toilet roll take the pedestrian and make it extraordinary.

As performers, Syrop and Smith are obviously in love with their craft and it's difficult not to be carried along by their enthusiasm, never more so than when they attempt a showdown with large tin cans and a smoke machine, which is an absolute joy to behold. To their credit, none of this is laboured; they are not here to preach the laws of physics but rather make the audience think for themselves. This is inventive, well-imagined stuff that keeps a smile on your face from start to finish.

Until 24 August. Today 2:15pm