Before the performance had begun I was already captivated by what I saw before me: a man, seated and handcuffed, with a giant vermin mask covering his head.
It did not get any less mysterious from that point on, with this Kafkaesque spectacle addressing the plague of 1346 though a myriad of impressions.
Throughout, this predominantly one-man performance never failed to impress.
This play contained excellent visuals: from the clever use of playing cards to allude to historical matters, to the kaleidoscope projections for the audience’s intrigue. I found the subversion of the concept of gore the most fascinating, and everybody thoroughly enjoyed the humour contained within these moments.
I would say that Piper is definitely worth seeing for this aspect alone. It was a nice contrast to the earlier scenes which left one girl seated in front of me with her hand held to her face in shock, then laughing freely soon after.
The music provided a soundscape that perfectly matched the eerie tone of Piper. A surprising-yet-short-lived addition of a female cast member was also welcomed, and added much to the whole piece.
The set and props were interesting, with the quaint venue itself providing a space that suits the type of atmosphere that this performance required. Not only that, but the staff at The Burdall’s Yard were delightful and friendly, making this a completely pleasant experience.
Paying the Piper comes highly recommended, particularly if you are looking for something that is fresh and unique.
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Reviewer: Leo Bugden | Rating: ***** Five Stars
