Tunnel Vision

Anyone remotely interested in urban sports or dance would be well advised to check it out

★★★
archive review (edinburgh) | Read in About 2 minutes
Published 22 Aug 2007
33329 large
121329 original
This likeable and energetic show is essentially a showcase for some impressive feats of rollerblading and high-energy dancing, wrapped up with some random observations about life in the city. The stage has four low skate ramps on it, which are the primary focus of attention for much of the time, as five talented rollerbladers use them to jump, spin and somersault from one end to the other. Meanwhile, four limber ladies stomp, glide and breakdance on the dancefloor in front, pulling some pretty breathtaking moves.

While the performers get their breath between stunts, there are some recorded anecdotes about urban alienation, such as why kids wear hoodies and what it’s like for a stranger to ejaculate on your leg on the tube. They’re not hugely thought provoking, but they fill the gaps and are reasonably effective in tying the whole act together. The mimed scenes, mostly about being on the tube again, are a little overacted and not really necessary, but they’re short enough not to spoil the fun. The show’s probably best enjoyed if you get a bit involved, whooping at the bits you like, as you would if you were watching your friends rollerblading in the park. Anyone remotely interested in urban sports or dance would be well advised to check it out; for everyone else, it’s a pleasant enough way to spend forty minutes.