Theatre review: Don Quixote - Theatre of the blind

Published on Wednesday 12 August 2009 19:02

DON QUIXOTE – THEATRE OF THE BLIND THE BONGO CLUB (VENUE 143)

"WILL anyone steal my bag?" seems to be the main topic of conversation before we are led into this multisensory, experience-based play. In case it's not obvious from the title, you're going to be blindfolded for an hour, things are going to happen to you that you can't see and you're probably not going to be able to lug a sack full of expensive belongings around. However, if you're prepared to get into the spirit of things, then you might just enjoy yourself.

Written by Charlie Ward, this is a new adaptation of Cervantes' novel. The link between the story and a 'blind' audience is somewhat tenuous, but it's a fun show to take part in none the less, and a multitude of sounds, smells and other sensations draw you in so the piece doesn't feel like a radio play.

The company's ambition to attract visually impaired people to the theatre is admirable and innovative. However, the best moment is when you get to take your blindfold off and see what's been happening for the last hour – a moment that a visually impaired person would have, I would assume, difficulty sharing.

Until 22 August. Today 2:05pm