Richard Alston Dance Company at the Royal and Derngate Review
Richard Alston Dance Company
Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton
30 September to 1 October 2014
Reviewed by Rachael Osborne
The New York Times
“ALSTON’S WONDERFUL GIFT FOR ILLUMINATING HIS MUSIC, HIS IMPECCABLE CRAFTSMANSHIP…IT’S THE KIND OF WORK YOU COULD TAKE EITHER A DANCE NOVICE OR A STERN EXPERT TO WITH ALMOST COMPLETE ASSURANCE”
Having read the above comments by The New York Times I was very excited about seeing this performance.
The performance was at the Derngate Theatre in Northampton. There is a small theatre car park that is pay and display but only cost us £1. There is also lots of available public parking, so parking near to the theatre was fairly easy. The theatre was clean, well lit and welcoming. I love going to the theatre and found the atmosphere at the Derngate creates a feeling of excitement. The staff members that we dealt with were very helpful and polite at all times. Our drinks were served quickly and we were shown to our seats.
Richard Alston’s Dance Company is a Contemporary Dance company. The dance performance consisted of four works called Rejoice In the Lamb, Holderlin Fragments, Burning, and Overdrive. Rejoice in the Lamb was the first performance. The costumes were simple yet effective, that enhanced the routine rather than detracting from it. The lead male dancer in this performance was amazing. The precision and skill shown during this dance by the performers was breath-taking. Rejoice In The Lamb is based on the work Rejoice in the Lamb by 18th century poet Christopher Smart.
Holderlin Fragments was a more serene routine with the dancers showing amazing control and elegance. The outfits were also more fluid and elegant. This routine had a more balletic feel to it.
The performance of Burning was frankly spectacular. From a technical point of view the performance was flawless with perfect timing. From an audience perspective it was breath-taking and captivating. The dancers showed amazing skill with some fabulous lifts, and clearly worked really well together.
Overdrive was another high energy routine. The dancing was amazing with perfect timing and it again captivated the whole audience.
The audience’s reaction at the end of the performance clearly showed that it had been thoroughly enjoyed by all.
I had an amazing time. I found the performance to be captivating and thoroughly enjoyable. I have always enjoyed watching dance but believe anyone would enjoy watching this spectacular and amazing performance!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £13 to £23 (plus £2.80 transaction fee).
Richard Alston Dance Company is at the Royal & Derngate until 1 October 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01604 624811.
Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP | 01604 624811
