Fringe review: Double Take
Broken Box’s show proves contemporary mime is alive, eloquent and unexpectedly exhilarating. ★★★★★
New York company Broken Box’s style of contemporary mime is an interesting watch, initially calling to mind memories of the old Marcel Marceau style of completely silent performance, gently swaying trees, banging on the non-existent window and all. But take a closer look, because this update of one of our oldest artforms is both beautiful in its simplicity and rich in detail: they call it “mime, redefined” and that pretty much pins the tail on the imaginary donkey.
Broken into a series of short sketches, all human life is here (quite literally, when it comes to a brilliant bit about the big bang). It’s highly accessible too; almost anyone at any stage will be absorbed. The partnership between the two performers is intriguing to watch as they pass focus and ideas between each other with a fierce intensity. The set-ups are sweet: an old man sits under a tree, two lovers meet at a bus stop, someone cooks along with a YouTube video. Each a is little delight, but a special mention goes to an extended sketch featuring the seventh circle of hell, aka a high street shoe shop’s stockroom, which absolutely steals the show. Double Take offers double joy, and a newly found appreciation of the mime artist’s skill and a deep satisfaction at the tiny details they can bring to life through movement.
Double Take is playing at Henry’s at Ayers House from February 20 – March 6
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