FORM is a show from theatre company Rendered Retina. Using 20,000 paper balls, the show takes audiences on a hilarious and moving journey of one man's attempt to escape routine, to wonderful worlds and whisk you away on a visual voyage. This show uses no spoken word (except grunting), physical theatre, clowning/mime all of which is nicely pushed along with original music.
When I was invited along to see this show, I was rather excited. With a concept that sounded interesting and at a theatre I'd never been to before (the Camden Peoples Theatre) I was waiting with anticipation for the show to start. It won 'Best Show' at Paris Fringe 2018 and was the winner of the Les Enfants Terribles Award 2017 so I had high hopes going into the theatre.
I wasn't disappointed. Its not an over exaggeration to say I think this is some of the best pieces of theatre I've ever seen. The three performers, Tom Mangan, Alex Mangan and Jordan Choi have such great chemistry and energy together. They complement each others performances perfectly, bringing just the right amount of energy to the show. The relationship and trust they've built over the 11 years they've known each other is all too clear, with the production running like a well oiled machine.
I was transfixed throughout, unable to look away. In fact the whole audience was engulfed by the brilliance of this show. We were all completely silent except for the moments of laughter we collectively experienced out of pure joy from what we were watching. An imaginative show that took as all along for the ride, bringing us as an audience into their world. And what a world that is. I didn't want to come back to reality. The 20,000 paper balls were used brilliantly to push along the story and act as a base for every scene. With the entire stage being used there was never a dull moment. They all use their bodies and faces very expressively, and even though they don't talk you know exactly what their characters are thinking or how they are feeling. Yes, sometimes the facial movements can be a bit over the top, but in a way that added to the show rather than distract form it.
I know this is a rather short review but I really cant say any more. There is nothing to criticize (other than the fact the waiting area at the theatre is rather small). It was simply perfection. If you have the time, you MUST see this show. I will certainly be interested to see how this theatre company develops and to see what they do next. They say on their website "We want our work to leave lasting images with those who see it." They have certainly achieved that with me.
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