4 Stars ★★★★
Guest Reviewer ~ Pritpal Bhullar
Giselle is well known as a classical ballet about unrequited love but it is not necessary to have seen this (as I have not) to enjoy this unique new adaptation. Giselle: Remix as created by Jack Sears and Hannah Grennell is as far removed from its roots and reimagined as a raucous, turbulent, exhilarating 21st century story.
Giselle: Remix transports the audience through an emotional journey following the main character’s unrequited love story. Rapport is created from the outset through comical interaction with the audience, in time brilliant lip-synching, vibrant facial expressions and exaggerated reactions to the narration which really tells the story.
Thrilling and dramatic choreography enabled the company of superb dancers, Jack Sears, Harri Eiffert, Elle Fierce, Spike King and Marie Astrid Mence to deliver exciting dance performances which thrilled the audience, enhanced by great lighting and atmospheric contemporary music which all combined to deliver an impressive show. Giselle truly owns the stage in solos with wonderful technique and charisma.
The show cleverly interweaves classic romantic lines from well-known classic 1990s rom-coms and the cast use this opportunity to engage the audience through their expressive reactions which are natural, believable and oftentimes comical. The audience are fully engaged throughout as evidenced by the animated response of convulsed laughter and occasional enthusiastic cheering.
Towards the end of the show, there are motivational quotes from well known people, such as Brene Brownand Maya Angelou including … ‘I come as one but I stand as ten thousand’.
For the audience Giselle: Remix offers an emotional roller-coaster journey, very much like watching an actual rom-com with a tear jerking end. The effective use of music, fantastic choreography, and the skilful use of lighting, all support and enhance this very unique re-telling by an outstanding cast.
The Pleasance Theatre is well laid out, with café style chairs and tables, providing good views from across the theatre.
Production Images by Ali Wright
Joining Jack Sears and the Dance Troupe will be Queer Icons
Kit Green (@kit_green)
Jonny Woo (@jonnywoouk)
Lavinia Co-op (@laviniacoop)
as guest star performers, alternating appearances across the three week run.
Mozart to Musicals 