Northeast Music Guide

Particle Velocity   Northern Stage 10 th October 2013. A Phoenix Dance Theatre Production       Particle Velocity is a production of four energetic dance pieces that weave music and dance together with a sense of purpose.   The show opens with ‘All Alight’ in which 7 dancers move with subtle grace and poise to the often energetic strains of Ravel’s ‘Sonata for Violin and Cello’. Richard Alston’s choreography is the first indication that the Phoenix Dance Theatre intend to use the full extent of the wide stage that Stage 1 at this venue offers.   Jose Agudo’s ‘Ki’ starts in one corner and as the score by Vinz starts to pulsate the action increasing spreads across the stage.  This is a tale of a boy that will become legend. Even from the beginning when we only see the back of the dancer the raw physical nature of the piece is broadcast to the audience.   An eclectic musical compilation follows the turbulent relationshi...

The Crick Crack Club return to Northern Stage  with the story of Arthur's legendary big sister.     The stage was set with a giant chess board, a set of draughts, a harp and a number of other props and instruments when Nick Hennessey started a gentle lullaby.  Xanthe Gresham then walks on stage wearing an extremely long blonde wig. The show has begun.   Over the next hour and a quarter we a given a real storytelling treat. The playful interaction between the two storytellers adds to the irreverent nature of a tale of old. We are all aware of the tales of King Arthur but we now find the spotlight turns to Morgana Le Fey. Xanthe muses on her status in the legend. Was she a goddess or simply a fairy who deserved a better billing?   The talented Nick weaves lush music around the story that Xanthe lays down with crystal clarity. A greater understanding develops of the lead character through a poignant narrative. Rewriting the rules becomes nec...