Showing @ Summerhall, Edinburgh until Sun 25 Jan 2015 @ times vary
Small theatre companies often have to pick something that defines them – that sets them apart from the crowd. And Les Amis D’Onno certainly have that; as the only equine theatre company in Scotland, they offer the chance for audiences to see live horses on stage, accompanied by acrobatics, lush costumes and the occasional performing dog for company. Billed as a family show, the press blurbs talk of spectacle, amazement and an abundance of imagination. The problems come not in the scope of the company’s vision, but in the failure to live up to their own ambitions.
We open with a classic fairytale premise; a kidnapping of a young innocent. A harpist is stolen by the winter King as an anniversary present for his wife, and only her wizard guardian cares enough to track her down. A neat idea, rendered near lifeless by a script that is flat and unimaginative, with some very clunky dialogue. The Queen is a nag, the King a fool, and the kidnapped girl says nothing for the entire performance. The actors try their best, but it’s an uphill struggle. Despite the subject matter, there’s no magic in the words.
Away from the main action, the performance interludes, though frequently impressive, are rarely well-integrated into the plot. There is an exception, when a French archer gives a great display of skill in shooting and comic timing, producing a scene with natural flow. But for the most part, the spectacle – including knife throwing and escapology alongside the beautiful horses – takes place in isolation. A more cohesive show will only come when as much attention is paid to the script as is currently lavished on the impressive gimicks.