This ambitious production is Kneehigh’s adaptation of a classic 1946 film, following the fate of a bomber pilot without a parachute. The casting of a boy as the radio operating love-interest is playful but later hampers the development of their relationship, and while there are some charming individual performances here, they really form a string of cameos rather than contributing to a cohesive narrative. The design is stylish but cumbersome; and the huge set results in static scenes and too much symmetry, while the live piano being hidden flattens the musical underscore and the cast’s confidence during songs. All in all, the stakes need to be raised if this really is a matter of life and death.

C, until 17 Aug, 3.45pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Jade Wilson]