Review: NOWHERE, Tron Theatre, Glasgow

Nowhere is part of Take Me Somewhere, a festival which aims to build on the legacy of The Arches arts programme. Devised by Jackie Wylie (former Arches artistic director and now artistic director of the National Theatre of Scotland) alongside other Arches creative team Niall Walker, LJ Findlay-Walsh and Gillian Garrity, this new contemporary arts festival plans to embody the spirit of the much loved arts venue.

Something strange is happening at the Tron Theatre tonight. The foyer is dimly lit, with costumed performers skulking around the edges of the room. After collecting my ticket I was told that someone would come in to provide further instruction. The audience were divided into groups of five by this mysterious gentlemen and anyone who arrived together was split up. We were given instruction on what to do if we needed to leave the performance at any time which prompted nervous laughter from those not so sure of what they were getting themselves into.

Being of a slightly nervous disposition, being taken through pitch black corridors by someone dressed like a character from American Horror Story: Freak Show is not my idea of a fun Saturday night. We were led by an usher through the building, down back corridors and into rehearsal spaces, stairwells and an elevator for different performance pieces.

Andy Arnold's piece has been expertly crafted. The timings run so smoothly that there is never a clash of groups in the same space and everyone finishes the performance together in the main auditorium. The use of light is certainly atmospheric- one of the performances takes place in complete darkness and most of the corridors are dimly lit for effect.

Most of the performances that take place over this 50 minute experience are stories that are well told and engaging. One highlight was Ramesh Meyyappan's piece which involved some excellent close-up magic. There were eight pieces of work altogether so even if something isn't quite to your taste, it doesn't last for very long.

For the final piece, we are advised that Nowhere has no meaning. Critics are invited to try and find meaning from what we have just watched, but assured that it is pointless as there really is none. While that may be the case, Nowhere makes for a bizarre and enjoyable evening.

Information on other shows at Take Me Somewhere is available on the festival website.

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