Midlands-based company Open Theatre this month bring their new production, Falling, on tour. Performed by an ensemble company of young people with learning disabilities, Falling is an intense and thought-provoking piece, which brings to life the lived experiences of the performers. The production is slick and direct, while at the same time maintaining a dream-like, surreal atmosphere. 

Directed by Richard Hayhow, the production centres around lead performer Millie Parker, who offers up an expressive style - her thoughts and feelings are communicated to the audience effortlessly and, for the most part, wordlessly. The majority of the piece uses non-verbal physical theatre - which is central to Open Theatre’s practice - but it is occasionally punctuated by words and sounds from the performers, which chafe against the otherwise speechless movement. A scream, maniacal laughter, and the repeated phrase “I’m so sorry!” are all brought out at appropriate moments. 

The piece begins with Parker asleep in the centre of the set (Anna Phillips is the designer), while almost invisible at the periphery are the ensemble company, dressed in identical drably-coloured outfits. The ensemble slowly begin to intrude on Parker - and, by association, intrude on her mental and physical comfort. The sound of ordinary chair legs hitting the floor becomes the sound of an overwhelming army of feet, and two figures - at times sinister and others alluring - loom over her head.

Parker is dressed distinctly from the troupe, in a pajama-like costume, which reinforces the feeling that we are peering into a dream. The performance dips into other facets of life experienced by the young people on stage, accompanied by a patchwork musical score and a voiceover provided by Vicki Shuttleworth - this gives context to the movement, while remaining dream-like and open to interpretation. 

Throughout the 50-minute production, we see the company embody overstimulation, grief, and the challenges of finding love and making human connections - particularly for those who are neurodivergent. Parker’s performance is always engaging, and she stands out from the crowd - literally, she is always in opposition to the ensemble - and this is at times a celebration of difference, and at times achingly lonely. 

Falling is an innovative production, which blends theatre and dance, woven together by spoken words and music. For some, including many of the performers, the production is a rare opportunity to see themselves represented on stage, and for others, it is a window into their experience. Either way, Open Theatre has devised a performance which is thoroughly absorbing and well worth a watch.

Five Stars 

Falling was reviewed on Friday 8 May by Jessica Clixby at Birmingham Rep, where it shows again on Saturday 9 May. The production then shows at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre on Thursday 14 May, and Wolverhampton’s Arena Theatre on Wednesday 20 May.