Flynch, Looking

A straightforward narrative infused with spectral eeriness, Flynch, Looking is a simple tale about a simple man. The young and recently dumped James Flynch is the ultimate nice guy doomed to finish last. Both painfully awkward and heartbreakingly sweet, the central performance is an unforgettable, pitch perfect tribute to the dumped mixed with exhausting physicality. He is, by the end, bathed in sweat but it's well worth the effort.

In fact, there isn't a weak link in this wildly talented cast as the scenes swing between memories, dreams and the present day. From the American tourist with the silent wife to the stern Russian cleaner to the creepy hotel manager, the ensemble create their off-centre world with an innovative use of props and simple but effective choreography.

As minutes pass, it's testament to the strength of the performances that every blow delivered to Flynch is almost physically painful, resulting in an hour that cuts straight to the pain of love lost while never meandering into stereotype. It's real, it hurts and it's a mesmerising spectacle – at no point does a scene fall flat.

It is a shame, then, that for some reason the denouement fails to pack the emotional punch you'd expect. Both too abrupt and awkwardly staged, it turns what should be the gut-wrenching pain this tragedy deserves into a confused weep. Despite this, Flynch, Looking is a wonderfully well directed and excellently performed piece of physical theatre.