Tonight I went to see the Sadlers Wells/Pet Shop Boys production of The Most Incredible thing and I really enjoyed it.
I wasn’t sure what to make of the proposed soundtrack or the style of dance but I went with an open heart (and a belly full of Pinot!)
At 2 hours and 25 minutes with two intervals this is no small production but the stage, music and set were very inspiring and interesting.
The Pet Shop Boys have always managed to dip in and out of different musical tastes and a lot of their influences were featured in the show. Nods to old works, videos and views are all self evident in their interpretation of the story. Personal favourites included Monkey Elliot (who wasn’t that incredible!).
I honestly was blown away by the production. The speed. The grace. The style of the dancers was breathtaking. I am amazed that there were no clashes of heads etc. The choreography was spot on.
The dancers were all very fit and the roles they play were executed brilliantly.
It is hard to convey how a story like this is only conveyed through dance, I never imagined how you could illustrate sexual abuse, fear, loathing, honour, hate in nothing move that a flick of the write or the hips (there was much more to it I am just generalising!). The set pieces were brilliantly set up and they really did bring the story to life.
If I had to a particular part of the play I would pick 4-5-6 on the clock segment in the middle of the show, purely for it’s comedy and tongue in cheek approach to this particular part of man kind (trying not to give too much away as I know some readers will be seeing the show this week).
It’s a shame this is only running for a week as I think it deserves a bigger audience.
Neil and Chris, it seems, can put their hands to anything and once again it works. Who else in the popular music sphere could pull off such a thing these days?
The soundtrack is very interesting but the show has more content and form to what’s on the double cd pack.
The audience was full of lovvies, theatre types and queers but it seemed that everyone enjoyed the show. Even Janet Street-Porter who was next to us at the bar!
This made for a fun and entertaining evening out and a welcome break from all the chaos at work.
If you get a chance. Try to experience The Most Incredible Thing.
Keith Tomlinson Photography 