04-10-2007

THEATRE IS... EDINBURGH

Being part of Arts Council East's Escalator East to Edinburgh is an extremely important part of my annual calendar. Firstly it gives me the opportunity to see work from the East, secondly I get to flavour the kind of work being produced under the guise of Children’s work, plus work for and by young people. 

The East of England is massively well represented at what is the world’s largest arts fest. Theatre, circus and dance are my things so it was great to see Claytime alongside productions such as NIE’s delightful ‘The End of Everything Ever’ and of course Hoipolloi’s Hugh Hughes show ‘Story of a Rabbit’ – yes I cried…. 

Other highlights in general were Traverse Theatre/Vanishing Points ‘Subway’ – beautiful use of music and storytelling; the other show which I would challenge anybody not to be excited by was  Les 7 doigts de la main show ‘Traces’ – an extraordinary feat of physical athleticism and panache – it’s a must see. Its work like this that can engage a young person at a visceral and emotional level motivating them to be the dancers, actors, circus performers of the future. Why does sport do so well at a grassroots level because it inspires the young to participate, that’s all young people, from all backgrounds.

May Escalator East to Edinburgh continue always…