A humorously told tragic tale, Cosmic Biscuit’s ‘Simply the West’ is an amusing, well performed production. Three physical theatre graduates from St Mary’s University make up the majority of this ensemble, and their chemistry and kinship is effective and evident onstage. Using puppetry and clowning, they enact the story of a girl attempting to cross the Berlin Wall, and introduce the various characters she encounters along the way. The production is intimate, and full of laughter and charm; the actors make eye contact and speak to the audience directly. I would love to see the production developed more fully with a longer, more complex storyline, as the ending felt far too abrupt. A charismatic company that I would like to see more from in the future.

theSpace @ Jury’s Inn, until 23 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Keara Barnes]