Review: Soldier, theSpace @ Surgeons Hall (venue 53)

Growing up in a town where violence is an everyday occurrence, our hero Jordache is no stranger to conflict. So when he joins the army and heads to Afghanistan, he knows exactly how to handle himself. Or so he would like to think.

Star rating: * * *

Painted with broad brushstrokes by London’s Pineapple Performing Arts, Soldier is a fast-paced, engaging and at times very busy piece of narrative dance. Up to 20 performers grace the small stage, and although the overall effect is too much, when they come together they’re on fire.

Writer and choreographer Dax O’Callaghan (who also plays Jordache) has much to be proud of. The storyline is clear, the choreography slick and the performances energetic. A little more room to manoeuvre onstage, and a little less reliance on video footage to create atmosphere, would have elevated this show from good to great.

But there’s no denying the passion and dedication of the Pineapple team, or the strength of O’Callaghan’s message: that it is the innocent who suffer most during warfare.

Until 18 August. Today 4:20pm.