Review: AND THE REST OF ME FLOATS, Bush Theatre

Seven performers individually enter the space and stare. They stare at us for a long while. One of them speaks; then another and so on. They continue this pattern, mixing it up with movement sequences, songs and direct address. It's all systems go in Outbox Theatre's vibrant production, which takes gender and deconstructs it, allowing an investigation into its themes and contexts to take place.

Under Ben Buratta's innovative direction the group showcase their natural talents. There's choreography, song, live music and audience interaction. A large sheet of plastic is used to wrap two people, first delicately enveloping before going on to suffocate them. It's a powerful image that evokes a lot, and is one of many pictures that are presented to instil thought and discussion afterwards.

Coral Messam's movement direction is a treat to watch. Under their eye the company manoeuvre across the stage with a definitive grace and power. It's a catwalk of sorts, underscored by Dominic Kennedy's pounding house beat. Messam's moments of stillness and slow motion are just as interesting - the cast get undressed and then redressed whilst being under the glare of a flashlight.

It's slightly uncomfortable to sit through; the audience are voyeurs to the group's anguish. But it's part of it; you have to take notice and really think about what's being presented. Alongside the sombre instances there's so much joy within the piece. Buratta's ability to blend the comic with tragic shows a great skill in dramaturgy.

Creating high quality cross-disciplinary work isn't an easy thing to achieve, but Outbox do it with charm and class. And it makes you very excited for what they might be up to next.

And the Rest of Me Floats at the Bush Theatre until 16 March

Photo credit: Helen Murray

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