Tiny Dynamite

Can lightning strike twice in the same place? If we are talking about the human heart, then it seems that it can. In Abi Morgan’s play – returning with a new cast member after its original 2001 tour – Lucien and Anthony are friends who have known each other since childhood. When, during a summer holiday, they meet Madeleine, a love triangle forms, which seems like a replay of a previous tangled affair.

Written with a superb mix of narrative and charged dialogue, this gentle play’s placid surface conceals some boiling emotions. Morgan is a master of suggestion and her story perfectly reflects her themes of repetition, risk and recurrent loneliness.

A joint production by Frantic Assembly and Paines Plough, the play combines dance moves, physical theatre and an evocative soundscape by Nick Powell. Using video projections and joyful visual tricks Tiny Dynamite builds up to an explosive climax, which also feels tender and healing.

Directed with great delicacy by Vicky Featherstone and starring Frantic regulars Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett as Lucien and Anthony, with new cast member Lesley Hart, this is one of those shows which feels as if it is redefining the possibilities of theatre. There is a magical feel about this blend of storytelling, movement and music that gives a glimpse of the drama of the future.

This show was reviewed prior to the website launch. A new review may be pending.