Wanderlust - Anonymous Ensemble
Jacksons Lane, Highgate
The theatre can so often be a stuffy, boring affair. Polite etiquette means that we calmly sip our pre-performance drinks, shuffle to our seats when instructed and titter when the action on stage allows us to. So what happens when a ten-foot Bavarian powerhouse takes charge, forcing audience members to impersonate vampires, drink shots of vodka and sing about a tree pussy? A glimpse of the true strength of theatre, that's what.
For one night only Anonymous Ensemble take over the intimate Jacksons Lane Theatre with their award nominated production, Wanderlust. The performance - described as an interactive, burlesque, promenade extravaganza - follows the story of Tall Hilda as she describes her life from her vodka swilling antics with a travelling circus and her journeys with a violin playing gypsy and his dead wide, through to her apocalyptic cries for the power of love and dancing. But its not a straightforward chronological tale that we treated to here; its an experience that we can take part in, enjoy and take away with us as our very own.
From the outset we are warned that we will be required to participate in this performance, and it is not long before we are up off our feet cosying under a mock circus tent and throwing fake snowballs at one another. Its important not to underestimate the achievement of the trio on stage as they lure a tired and somewhat jaded audience out of their comfortable seats and allow themselves to be open to ritual humiliation. Jessica Weinstein excels as the giant showgirl, who seduces us to join her own stage and allow her to take total control. Her ballsy demeanour and exquisite comic timing mean that you are compulsively drawn to her and are not only willing to do everything she asks, you want to impress her while you do it.
Wanderlust highlights the joy and spirit of theatre: the joining of like-minded people to learn and experience something together. It also shows that the theatre can teach you, not just through philosophical statements and declaration but making you relaxed and open. Instead of questioning and analysing every moment, we go with it, enjoy it and become both free and unified as a collective. And for a 70 minute show to achieve that, especially in this age of increased individualism, is nothing short of a miracle.
Phil Burt
Wanderlust will be performed again at Madame JoJos, Soho on 2nd August
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