You’re stood on the platform. You look around. Someone catches your eye. Ever wondered where they’re going? Sonder written by Amy Hyde-White deals with the lives of many who we pass by.
A musical and physical theatre piece, we see everyone from stall-holders, businessmen and women and other every day travelers including the sadly ever-present homeless people who take cover in public transport links. The story delves into people's lives and questions the choices we make. Like the paths we take in life are akin to the train journey.
The musical direction was lovely and really set the tone for the flower seller's story, linking others to each other in different ways. I would like to give attention to to the choreography particularly in the case of Irene Fernandez Sambucety whose solo performances were beautiful and moving.
The set could have been better, it felt quite bare and generally felt like it was lacking. Projection was quite poor and in some cases I did not know what was being said, if I had one note it would be that as performers some basic stagecraft seemed amiss with actors swaying on the spot and shifting their feet
The fight scene was a tad clunky with a lot of moves telegraphed and I didn't quite believe the situation. I felt a couple of the actors were underutilised, and didn't seem to have as much involvement and as an ensemble piece it was a bit sad not to see more of certain characters and their stories. The programmes did not give character names or headshots with names to give real notes on but will give them but will credit them here as 'Businessman no2' and 'Overzealous Interviewee' who I felt could have been given more to do.
It was not what I expected (I wont give it away) and I recognised the other passengers' reactions to this scene being very realistic as to how people would behave when that actually happens.
Overall it was a performance worthy of much praise, beautifully written and choreographed.
Reviewer - Keziah Lockwood
on - 10/5/19
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