Rambert featuring Rooster- The Lyric, Plymouth Theatre Royal

This was like being promised an original Banksy- full of originality, character and panache; and being presented with a Paint-By-Numbers- tedious, uninventive and stunted, albeit within the lines.

The first two acts were tedium personified. Although the dancers were very good, the choreography and the music were very much stuccato. I did not pick up on the themes they were apparently meant to be representing, and I found myself watching out for errors, listening to the squeaks on the floor (which were enouggh to cause physical pain to those with fillings), and mentally writing my shopping list. The movements were, for the most part, graceful. However, the repetition was extremely tiresome, hygeinic and unimaginative. The costumes did little to add to the performance, and actually made me feel rather unconfortable with just how skin tight they were, and the way in which the ladies bottoms were slowly eating the material.

There was a noticeable lack of charisma in these pieces, and it is the first show I have ever seen in which I deliberately fell asleep!

The final act was much better, with flattering costumes which added interest and movement to the piece. There was some humour and storylines with which I could identify. I woke up for this part and strongly wish that the whole show had been as good. It was done with great energy and each movement was struck with passion. However, I was not actually aware that it had come to an end. I didn't feel that there was any sort of finale and so I was unsure whether or not I should be applauding.

Overall, I would not recommend sitting through the whole of this show unless you are particularly interested in cold, pretentious dance and costumes which stand on the line of decency. However, I would recommend popping in after the second interval to see the Swingin' 60's section. What a shame that such talented dancers have been so badly choreographed.

On a side note: If anyone can tell me the purpose of a signer for deaf people in a show which has no words, and in which dancers are moving to the rhythm and general theme of the music, I would be very grateful! I honestly have no idea why she was there, so your comments would be greatly appreciated.

3/10

Image above not my own (Credit Benedict Johnson).