Dreamdance , by Nicola Werenowska , Footprints Theatre Company, Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich, Pulse Fringe Festival, June 13First the good news; the music was well conceived and played by the talented young Aaron Parker and the story, interlaced with screen projections, was interesting - although the theme of Berlin cabaret post-World War I has been previously well exploited on stage and in film.
David Green
Dreamdance , by Nicola Werenowska , Footprints Theatre Company, Sir John Mills Theatre, Ipswich, Pulse Fringe Festival, June 13
First the good news; the music was well conceived and played by the talented young Aaron Parker and the story, interlaced with screen projections, was interesting - although the theme of Berlin cabaret post-World War I has been previously well exploited on stage and in film.
Paula Baker, who combined her director and choreographer duties with the role of the cabaret singer, had a good stage presence. Her voice was obviously trained but the songs appeared to be pitched too high for her to get the strength of projection needed for this role.
Now the really bad news; the overall standard of performance was woefully poor - almost to a cringe-making extent.
Although the cast tried hard, there was a distinct lack of focus among the actors and too much trooping off and trooping on to maintain the pace needed to make this kind of production work.
Movement was stilted and lacked conviction while the whole show was devoid of polish and style.
It was, to say the least, a disappointment on the final day of a Pulse Festival which had promised so much. How this production found itself on the programme is a mystery.
David Green
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