Fringe Review: HEART BEATS STRONG, Bunker Two at Pleasance Courtyard
Launching onto the stage into a tightly choreographed explosive dance number are Alfie Wickham, Kai Porter and Noah Manzoor. It is immersive, pulsing - and then immediately cuts to a solo narrative of a teenage boy. In the intimate space of Bunker Two at the Pleasance, Kickdrum Theatre Company transform the room into a rave, a family dinner, an empty park - and each feels as tangible as the last. A beautifully performed show, Heart Beats Strong is captivating from start to finish.
Two free-standing, portable lights are used as props with remarkable nous, they highlight stories, they convey fear, they are claustrophobic and then wide open. Creativity oozes throughout the performance. As the three actors move across the stage, they blend from dance into acting and back again seamlessly, lit up from various angles to shape the scene. It is theatrical genius.
As remarkable as the direction and choreography is, the script is just as deftly written. Heart Beats Strong tells the story of three young boys who are growing up into young men. It is a carefully written, poignant story of class, sexuality, family and culture with whip-smart wit around every corner. Funny, genuine performances from each actor invites you into the world of each character and feel like you are a part of their lives. Whist the storylines are separate, the three actors fade into and out of scenes in a multitude of roles, making the trio feel close and intertwined in some small way, despite no contextual relevance. Masterful in its craft, Heart Beats Strong will have you laughing and crying and everything in between.
The beauty of the play lies in the coming-of-age nature, where somehow cliches are avoided and the script is fresh and whole-hearted. It explores how lost people can feel during adolescence and how it feels to have that age-old question of “What next?” posed at you with no real answer. Morphing these notions into dance creates a pacy, vibrant performance that feels alive in every breath.
Mesmeric in its execution, Heart Beats Strong is a masterpiece of theatre in its entirety. Despite illuminating Bunker Two to near perfection, this show deserves a bigger space and a bigger audience.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Hannah Goldswain
Heart Beats Strong plays at Edinburgh Festival Theatre until 31 Aug, with further info here.