As a backlash against the free Castlemorton Common Festival of 1992, the Tories developed the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. Amongst other things, the legislation made criminal acts out of collective trespassing and nuisance on land and included sections against raves and ‘repetitive’ beats. Born out of an unfounded moral panic by a government who were suspicious of alternative communities, it sought to criminalise a non-threatening act, like playing music of a certain tempo in public.

Kieran Hurley’s nearly one-man show takes a look at this moment in history in the form of a coming-of-age tale. It follows teenager Johnno McCreadie on a one-night journey into a world of violence, oppression and lots of pounding techno music. For those who can remember it all the first time round,  it will no doubt be a trip down memory lane, but whether you were there or not, it will certainly get you in the mood for a party.
The show features tracks from Josh Wink and the Orb, amongst other classics. The play  also won one of the Platform 18 Awards at the Arches BEHAVIOURS festival,  has already had a sell-out run in the Bush Theatre and earned plenty of respect from the critics, so there’s no doubt you’ll be in for a treat.  (Words: Laura Thornley)

Beats is on at the Albany Theatre on November 26th. For more info visit: http://www.thealbany.org.uk/event_detail/1052/Theatre/BEATS

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Originally,  In the Penal Colony was written as a short and featured only four characters: The Explorer, The Officer, The Condemned, The Soldier. The story was written from the Explorer’s point of view as he is guided around the prison site, encountering the ‘torture machine’ for the first time. Thankfully, Kafka’s work always lends itself to interpretation and easily resonates with other ages and experiences, like the Fourth Monkey’s production will no doubt do for us.

Throwing the minimal cast list to the wind, this new production features a 52 strong group and takes place at the Trinity Buoy Wharf,  an East London, regenerated dockland oozing with atmosphere. Hamish MacDougall and James Yeatman direct the production. Their last collaboration took place at the Barbican (nice work if you can get it) on Complicite’s  The Master and Margarita. The company have earned a rep for presenting challenging theatre experiences for both the actors and audience (no hiding at the back then?). The audience will meet at a designated point and from there on in, be transported into the immersive experience. The story is taken to the 1950s and features a travelling salesmen invited to witness the execution of a prisoner.

This highly-anticipated production will no doubt take the immersive theatre trend to the next level and shock and impress those who visit. It is also a great opportunity to visit one of docklands new creative communities, located across the water from the o2, with stunning views of the river. Plus, it’s the site of London’s only lighthouse. Life just doesn’t get much better, does it? (Words: Laura Thornley)

On until April 27th.  For more info, visit: www.fourthmonkey.co.uk

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Taking place over 18 days and including 15 different international productions, Joseph Seelig and Helen Lannaghan, (the festival directors) have brought together some of the biggest names in mime, or more broadly, physical theatre. Whilst the name ‘mime’ may conjure up outdated images of white gloves and white faces – the cutting edge ideas from these production companies goes far beyond such clichés. From the production of Popcorn Machine – a show inspired by Frank Zappa and the Ramones, the company My!Laika have created a highly developed circus performance while Stan’s Café’s bring their show the Cardinals – an evangelical puppet show.

The productions are at various venues, from the grandeur of the Southbank and the Royal Opera House to slightly less mainstream venues such as Jacksons Lane and the new Platform Theatre at Central Saint Martins. The SB’s Queen Elizabeth Hall also plays host to the much-anticipated return of Compagnie 111/Aurelien Bory’s Plan B. It’s been ten years since its inception and is still one of the most sensational and inventive physical theatre shows going. Set on a tilted stage and daring to test the laws of physics, it’s no surprise that the show from this French company is in demand.

The Royal Opera House is hosting the Russian theatre company Derevo, a regular at the festival since 1998. This time they return with the London premiere of Harlekin – a startling piece of clown theatre based on the Italian commedia dell’arte’s Harlekin; a twist on the tradition of mime and clowning.

Physical theatre has been experiencing something of a renaissance over the last few years, which explains the breadth of performance styles taking part in the festival. It’s an area of the arts that can be accessible and at times mesmerising – and for that reason it’s worth celebrating. (Words: Laura Thornley)

The London International Mime Festival runs from January 10th to 27th. For more info, visit: www.mimelondon.com

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