The Art Of Skipping continues at Greenside @ Nicolson Square, Edinburgh until 24 August 2019.
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Written by Eleanor Griffiths and Megan Hughes, this show is a shining example of what can be achieved with only 50 minutes of stage time. Precise, involving, without wasting a word or a note of music, this is definitely a team to follow with interest.
The central character in this three-hander is Alex (Lisa MacGregor) – a classic geeky genius with an obsession for astronomy and all things ‘space’. NASA branding on her T-shirt is like a badge proclaiming her passion. Her partner, Jay (Emily Panes) is also passionate about her career working with disempowered communities. A couple sharing joy in each other and life in general with a fly in the ointment when Jay is offered a chance to work in Italy.
But that’s all but forgotten when Alex is diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and discovers that she is on the verge of losing her increasingly poor eyesight. The loss not just of sight but of the capacity to fulfill her dreams of discovering a planet somewhere with conditions similar to those here on earth is devastating.
Alex’s mother, Ange (Kristina Demou) is an increasing presence in Alex’s life once again as she provides the space Alex needs to come to terms with her circumstances. Rebellion is part of her reaction as she struggles to find a way forward in life. There is heart and soul in each character – their backstories are there, informing how every word is spoken, every line sung.
Through dialogue, song and stylised movement, this is such a beautifully told story. The balance between music and dialogue is completely natural in terms of the show – the music heightening and colouring the world these three characters live in.
All three have exceptional singing voices (although an 11:30am morning start can be demanding for under-warmed voices) but once the duets and trios warm up – wow – exceptionally fine vocal blends that raise the hairs on the back of the neck.
The score is ravishingly good: melody and harmony lines to die for with delicious counterpoints in a complex yet very pleasing musical structure. Both lyrics and choreography match the high standard set by the music, engaging the audience at every level.
The Elizabethans used to talk of ‘the music of the spheres’ to describe the ‘dance’ of stars and planets in the skies. Maybe that’s what Alex can find… Please – give yourself a treat and find this remarkable gem hidden away in Nicolson Square.
Fiona Orr
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