Birds Eye View: DO-Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe

Birds Eye View: DO-Theatre; St Stephens (Venue 8)
0131 226 0000 www.edfringe.com

1 hour 10 minutes. No interval

The flying eye has a distinctive viewThe stage is covered in feathers and a balloon has been stranded at the back of the stage. Onto the material of the balloon wonderful images from Busby Berkley type routines, all set on the wings of 'planes, are projected.

This is the start of a show that uses stunning images of flight to explore its freedom and peril, and the view of down here from up there. The film is interesting as these innocent but exotic 30s celebrations of human cleverness in getting up in the air are a hard act to follow. Russian DO-Theatre meet the challenge with confidence and skill.

The story here is universal, but perhaps gives us clues as to why the human miracle that Hollywood celebated all that time ago also gave birth to some of this generation's greatest horrors.

There is a profusion of lovely and beguiling images; two characters sharing a giant overcoat and still remaining charming, a perching bird like figure that moves with delicate precision; a samurai shaving his head with a sword, birds pecking at a loaf, all created by artists at the peak of their skills.

Images of desolate Brighton Pier, now abandoned and home to thousands of birds appear on the balloon screen, a neat tribute to co-producer Brighton's Komedia Theatre.

An exciting score takes us from country style dances, through lyricism to hi-tech menace. The artists technique is secure, with lovely dance both well observed and beautifully controlled.

There are loads of ideas and starling moments here, all stitched together by skill and artistry.

2003-08-13 09:13:00