PERFORMANCE & COMEDY

Theatre Royal Bath (Thur 20-Sat 22 Oct)

DANCE It's always heartening when a company doesn't put a foot wrong, neither with the repertoire, the performances or the music. And this exquisite triple bill by Rambert Dance, on their annual visit to Bath, fell firmly into that category.

First up was 'Roses' by veteran US choreographer Paul Taylor, whose work deserves to be better known in this country. Danced to some uncharacteristically low-key Wagner and Heinrich Baermann, this work for six couples was flowing, open and generous, containing unexpected rolls and cartwheels which weren't out of place and didn't jar. A little gem.

The evening's centrepiece was 'seven for a secret, never to be told', Rambert director Mark Baldwin's look at childhood behaviour through games, nursery rhymes and play: a wry romp performed to Stephen McNeff's lively score. Some sections worked better than others – the boy scout refereeing a fake boxing match was an immediate winner –  but others were more subtle. Probably something of a grower that's going to benefit from further viewings.

Finally came something quite amazing: 'Monolith' from Tim Rushton, director of the Royal Danish Ballet. Because his work is virtually unknown in this country, it was hard to know what expect. It proved to be towering and extraordinary. Set against a barren landscape, the often spiky movements seemed absolutely at one with Peteris Vasks' sombre score. People hurled themselves at each other only to to be caught with breathtaking nonchalance, or they beat the floor infrequently enough for it to surprise. The movement and music encapsulated their refusal to be worn down by the bleakness of their surroundings. It may not have been the most upbeat of endings, but there are few better ways to spend an evening than this. (Lesley Barnes)

Copyright Lesley Barnes 2011

Pic: Eric Richmond