Tricky manoeuvres leave audience gasping for more

THE MILL, Lowry, Salford, by Beatriz Ayala

PHYSICAL theatre, aerial artistry and a huge spinning wheel suspended 20ft in the air took centre stage at the Lowry last night during a special preview performance of “The Mill”.

The show is created and performed by acclaimed aerial theatre company Ockham’s Razor, which takes its name from the logical principle that between two plausible theories, the simple is preferable. And simplicity is key during the first full-length feature which is a pared-down mix of circus skills, theatre and aerial acrobatics — all in under an hour and with not a safety harness in sight.

The company’s three artists Alex Harvey, Charlotte Mooney and Tina Koch are joined on stage by additional performers Stefano di Renzo and Paul Evans.

The show opens with four characters performing monotonous, repetitive tasks on a rope and pulley system spread out across the stage. The arrival of a fifth person interrupts the status quo and allows all the characters to explore their surroundings, themselves and the system they have been tied into for the very first time.

And they soon realise that a seemingly small decision or action can gather momentum beyond their control. With barely a word spoken and accompanied by an original musical score, the actors successfully use their theatrical skills to bring out the story’s emotions. Their ability to make tricky manoeuvres seem as easy and fluid as the rope they climb on ensures an entertaining production from the first scene.