Theatre review: Icarus: A Story of Flight, C ECA (Venue 50), Edinburgh

THIS new play from Backhand Theatre starts where the Greek myth left off. Instead of drowning in the sea post-wing melting, Icarus is now saved by the lonely but lively Guy, the sole occupant of a deserted island.

Icarus: a Story of Flight

C ECA (Venue 50)

Rating: ***

It’s a nice idea – to reclaim Icarus as a hero of flight, rather than a metaphor for unnecessary risk.

There are also some well-placed aerial segments, featuring hoops, trapeze and silks. In particular, a beautiful duet between Icarus and a falling star (aka his love interest) is both technically inventive and genuinely tender.

The problem here, however, is that the production falls between two stools. A little too wordy, and at times scary, for children – yet too simplified for adults, it’s hard to know where this show belongs.

That said, Backhand has layered the work with some nice touches, including an atmospheric score and enough variety in the aerial work to keep us interested, although Icarus himself does a good job of that all on his own, imbuing his off-the-ground movements with an Olympic-style strength and grace.

• Until 27 August. Today 5:30pm.