Dance Base Presents - Enclosure 44

Picture the scene: though the day is overcast and damp, you walk merrily through the gates of Edinburgh Zoo. You saunter past gibbons, eagles, and a pygmy hippopotamus which looks rather like a tiny, cute version of the Cloverfield monster. The Zoo is quiet – weather is not on its side today. Passing the baboons, you spot a crowd up ahead.

There's somewhat of a buzz around one of the enclosures and, drawing closer to the glass, you see why.

Enclosure 44, sandwiched between the baboons and the jaguars, is full of humans. Four female humans to be exact. And before you cringe at what might seem like a contrived mess, let me allay your fears – it’s a rock-solid piece of experimental theatre.

The actresses are in 'character' all the time, looking out with a mixture of disdain, interest and silliness. They press their faces up to the glass, or give thousand-mile-stares while munching lazily on dextrose tablets. They communicate with facial gestures and body language. Humorous (but educational) flyers introduce them by name and species. Amazingly, it works, as the performers meld with the environment, making an intelligent but compassionate commentary on voyeurism and captivity.

When you add to that the spectacular range of animals on display, from the Blue Cranes (stunning) to the Maned Wolves (scary) and the Capybara (big-ass hamsters), it’s a great day out that’s well worth the admission fee.