The Not-So-Fatal Death of Grandpa Fredo @ Traverse

Rhyming couplets aplenty, Vox Motus introduces the little American town of Reliance Falls. Strumming guitars and singing with a country twang, we meet four of the residents welcoming us to their home and explaining that we have never heard of it because it is “really, really, super-duper shit”. The tone of the performance set, the humorous tale of Fridtijof Fredo unfolds.

Based on a true story, The Not-So-Fatal Death of Grandpa Fredo tells of a man who attempts to cryogenically freeze his grandfather’s body using dry ice. Joining the eccentric Fridtijof are a host of redneck stereotypes, all ably portrayed by a cast of four actors. Capitalising on the intriguingly ridiculous nature of the plot, boundaries of the absurd are flouted in this highly physical theatrical experience.

The production is very visual, energetic and ‘cartoonesque’. Sections of mime synchronised with sound effects are wittily utilised to enhance the bizarre setting. A musical theatre mentality of ‘why speak it when you can sing it?’ makes perfect sense and live video projections create moments of comic genius. The pop-up design of the transformational set is inspired, allowing the company to open out a whole town from one small shed.

Vox Motus’ latest play is yet another example of their exciting explorations into a defining style. This genre-fusing company are taking steps towards the future of performance and it is encouraging to see such progressive work being developed in bonnie Scotland. If you are into cryogenic freezing then this one will warm your heart. Dead good. [Laurin Campbell]