EDINBURGH 2016 - BWW Review: IN OUR HANDS, Underbelly, 12 August

In Our Hands is the new show from Smoking Apples, the creators of 2015 Edinburgh Fringe smash hit CELL.

Alf is a lifelong fisherman who has lost his wife and grown distant from his son. The fishing business is struggling and Alf is too stubborn to sell his quota, despite a generous offer. The debts are piling up and his son has to take charge of the situation.

There is little dialogue in In Our Hands, the only speech coming from recorded messages left on Alf's voicemail. The story is told through incredible puppetry operated by a five-strong cast. The puppets are simple, Alf himself only being a head and hands, but that makes them all the more effective.

Alongside the main storyline is a subplot involving a seagull attempting to find food. While it doesn't sound like much, the puppet is adorable and this little part really adds something to the performance. Some of the puppets are slightly more complex and others are simply folded magazines.

Smoking Apples have once again succeeded in making something really special. While not as emotional as CELL (and for that my mascara thanks you), this is a stunning and beautifully crafted piece.

In Our Hands runs at Underbelly until 28 August.

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From This Author Natalie O'Donoghue