Leo

If you've ever wondered how Fred Astaire conceived that memorable movie scene where he appears to dance on all the walls, ceiling and floor in one take, go and see this mesmerising, quirky one-man arthouse show. Using a split stage live on the one hand and a topsy-turvy camera shot of it on the other, a set consisting of a vacant room, a light bulb and two props, Leo embarks on an anti-gravitational journey of simultaneous multi-dimensional fantasy and reality accompanied by an eclectic combination of electronic sounds, Frank Sinatra, Swan Lake, classical music and just pure silence.

One couldn't help thinking how he will maintain our attention once the concept is initially established, but this remarkable character has thought of just about everything conceivable one can do in this small space. This includes a fabulous dance routine, the creation of a virtual apartment with a piece of chalk followed by some surreal projected animation to spruce up the action.

Multi-layered, but simple in its conception, the show is comical, absorbing, imaginative, original and somewhat reminiscent of the greats from the silent film and mime eras.

Though certain sections were at times over-extended, there is enough substance in Leo to entertain all age groups and personalities and provide ample scope for interpretation and discussion to impress even your friends from Mensa including Phaedrus himself, famous for the quote:

'Things aren't always what they seem!'

Brian Adamson