A Clockwork Orange

By Edfringe05,derek - 12th Aug 2005

Brutally ravishing and relevant to today, this is a high quality, high octane production. From the opening with Alex writhing on the floor to the sounds of Beethoven through to the repeated image at the end, we willingly endure a barrage of sound & action. The violence is balletic in its choreography; the music and sound effects shock the audience, at times enough to make us vibrate physically. Then they use silence to equal effect. The patois of droog speak makes sense within seconds, drawing us into their world. The physical gang violence of the beginning moves into controlled, bleak violence of the state as Alex is brought into line. Alex is charismatic, gymnastic, terrifying and attractive throughout – should we feel guilty for empathising with such a monster? Certainly, but we still do. The company play the other roles with strength & total conviction. The simple staging allows the show to move at breakneck speed; 80 minutes rarely passes so quickly. Extreme yet controlled, shocking yet beautiful, this production is not to be missed! 5 Stars.

Derek Benfield

Gilded Ballon 16:00