STAGE REVIEW - A LITTLE SPACE

"The four walls of the apartment are unbearably claustrophobic for one, and another is literally screaming with anxiety!" words from Debra Hall's review of 'a little space'

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gecko and Mind The Gap have come together for a second association, this time to present ‘a little space’.

This is a devised piece drawn on the performers’ own experiences. The focus, it seems, is to do with what is gained and what is missing in the lives of individuals living in an apartment block when they connect and disconnect in different ways.

Some people come together for coffee or to share a meal in cramped conditions. A girl is needy for attention while her boy just wants to watch TV. The four walls of the apartment are unbearably claustrophobic for one, and another is literally screaming with anxiety!

 "what is gained and what is missing in the lives of individuals living in an apartment block when they connect and disconnect in different ways" words from Debra Hall's review of 'a little space'

This piece is open to interpretation and this brings about many interesting connotations. We consider what is enough for one may not be enough for another. Some may think eating alone is weird; others may relish the opportunity of a night in on their own. Some may feel they want to hide in a corner, another may simply be working at developing a positive relationship with his or herself. 

It is not always clear as to what is happening, but we do sit and wonder if it is right to spend time following one’s own passions while a partner is feeling isolated.

"... wonder if it is right to spend time following one’s own passions while a partner is feeling isolated" words from Debra Hall's review of 'a little space' 

Many considerations come to mind when you are watching and the strong message coming through is that it can sometimes be difficult to come to terms with one's reality when stuck in seclusion.

Therefore, for around 60 minutes, we too became lost in thought while staring at a dark stage, with the small lights illuminating. It’s like driving in the dark. It is mesmerising, though about 10 minutes too long for the eyes to be so fixed.

"we too became lost in thought while staring at a dark stage, with the small lights illuminating" words from Debra Hall's review of 'a little space'

The patterns of the dynamic dance movements, are repetitive, with outstretched arms being thrown upwards, outwards and then at angles with a wonderful twisting of the body in gracefulness. In these physical moves and in sensory ways the disconnect, the fears, the insecurities, and the unions/reunions of people in these tower block residences are portrayed. 

The movement often follows the inhaling and exhaling of the breath which maintains a steady pacing. This quiet whispering breaks, on wild occasions, into fanatic chaos like that of a manic mind. The beat of the spatial music and grating noises, the echoing and the banging of water pipes, together with orchestral tunes form part of a sound design overall that is truly wonderful.

The five members of the cast are absolutely captivating. A beautifully crafted theatrical piece. Well done all!

**ENDS**

Review by Theatre Critic Debra Hall who attended the press night showing of a little space at Derby Theatre on Thursday 27 Feb 7.30 pm

Photography by Tom Woollard

About the companies:

Gecko is ‘an award winning, internationally-acclaimed physical theatre company’. Gecko works across diverse age groups, nationalities and forms. The company tours nationally and internationally and continues to develop strong partnerships around the world.

Mind The Gap ‘is a company considered a beacon for learning disability arts and artists’ based in Bradford UK, its work includes award-winning touring productions, interactive workshops, and large scale outdoor spectacles.