Rambert Life is a Dream at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh Review

Reviewed by Dee Ryz

Based on the by Pedro Calderón de la Barca, Life is a Dream, performed by the Rambert contemporary dance company, was a beautiful performance, which begins with a director falling asleep at his desk in a rehearsal room. Split into two dances, choreographed by Kim Brandstrup and a live orchestra led by conductor Christopher Austin, the first piece follows the director dreaming about the day’s rehearsal, while the second piece he left the safety of his rehearsal space and braved the outside world, the then return to safety his rehearsal room.

The contemporary choreography was true to the story and was magnificently executed by the company of dancers. During the first half, the stage was set up as an empty warehouse-style rehearsal space, and quite barren except for the desk where the director was sleeping, a few columns, a bed which was often used as a prop and a dress makers dummy on wheels. Alternatively, during the second half of the performance, it was as if the stage had been flipped round, and we were now ‘behind the scenes’, physically behind the scenery, although the bed and dress makers dummy made an appearance once again.

Holly Waddington really did an amazing job with the costumes, all of which were beautiful and rather opulent, and not what I expected from a dance performance at all! They were all different shades of teal-green, ranging from velvet one pieces to long floating dresses for some of the female dancers, or shorter, almost maiden-style dresses for others.

Taking place at Edinburgh’s centrally located Festival Theatre, the theatre is close to St Andrew Bus Station and Waverley Station, with free on street parking in the area for those who wish to drive. With restaurants and bars nearby, it’s easy to make a night of it in the Southside.

A highly recommendable and enjoyable evening of contemporary dance.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £16.50 to £30 (booking fees may apply).

Rambert: Life Is A Dream is at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh from 22-24 November 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.capitaltheatres.com or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.

Festival Theatre, 13/29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9FT | 0131 529 6000