Body of Water is a gritty play that will challenge your mind although it is not for everyone. However, it is a very well portrayed piece of theatre based on a true story in London where anti-capitalist squatters launch a rave in a dilapidated mansion. The Facebook generation will understand this story extremely well as there are many references to social media in it. From the start though be warned that there is offensive language, some strobe lighting, and themes of drug taking none of which can be avoided if the subject is to be portrayed accurately.

The stage for this drama is somewhat small but the acting is of an extremely high standard and the company copes well with the space. There is excellent use of lighting to make quick scene changes from one side of the stage – at the police station – to the other – at the rave.  The soundtrack helps to set a fast pace as well as adding to the feeling of what it is like to be at a rave.  The play is engaging and some of it is a bit of a detective’s whodunit with some unusual twists and turns. A very worthwhile hour!

 

You can see Body of Water at Pleasance Courtyard 3.25pm daily until 29th Aug.  (http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/body-of-water)

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4 COMMENTS

  1. Absolutey disagree!! What a waste! Not one part this story dealt with reality or the situations at hand, so much potential too!!
    The acting was bearable and they did there job. But i highly doubt any lne of these people, even the writer, have been in this environment. It’s a little offensive to those that have actually.

    But poetic license I suppose. Not at all what it says on the tin, you want careless writing and acting then this is your play!!!

  2. we have seen this play in London and also at the Edinburgh Fringe.
    very well written with twists and turns in the storyline the actors were brilliant very believable and had you captured throughout the whole performance.
    good luck to all the cast of Body of Water with the rest of the run.Its well worth seeing this play!

  3. I’m suprised that was allowed to be sent as it is neither constructive nor necessary. And quite rude to be posted on a review page to be honest.

  4. On the contrary Mr James Hartfield, I think you will find that this play delivers exactly what it promises to, and I am wondering from which tin you have been reading?

    If you are so easily ‘offended’ that the rave described in this play did not turn out to be the same as the one you once attended, perhaps you do not fully understand the concept of fiction. Once, I went to Tesco and bought a potato. That’s reality. However, I am unlikely to write a play around it, though feel free to steal the idea for yourself.

    In actual fact, there are some undeniably brilliant performances throughout this production. The storyline is both relevant and clever. The non linear narrative promotes the detached nature of youth culture and adds to the sense of confusion the characters are feeling, towards the murder mystery side.
    In short, if you fancy being entertained for an hour, then go watch Body of Water. Alternatively, if you’d like to be bored out of your mind for an hour,then perhaps you should watch James Hartfield’s reality play. Probably about a potato.

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