The Sum of It All @ Zoo

Physical theatre is something that is often hard to characterise. The term conjures up notions of energetic dance and equally lively music, which together, lead to a story that is left open to interpretation.

These, however, are not the only traits of physical theatre, and as award-winning director, Dan Shorten’s new show suggests, narrative and language, and even mime, can be just as much part and parcel of the act.

Set in the afterlife, The Sum Of It All tells the story of Stanley Ayers. Ayers’ story is a simple one, but a profoundly important one.

In melancholy verse, the lead talks about his ‘frozen’ and ‘weary’ life, where death is ‘all about the memories’ and ‘not the future’.

Touching the themes of love, failure, madness, separation and temptation, Ayers' story is that of the underdog who has fallen in love – and one of a man who has watched life pass him by.

The performance’s innovation lies, not in its story’s originality, but, in the sheer power of its acting talent - which is riveting enough to give a ‘boy meets girl’ tale an edge.

On a modern-day stage bedazzled with lights, loud music and action, words can be all too easily forgotten, or omitted entirely – but not here. Like pinpricks, the lead’s words’, and their collective meaning, stand out like philosophical poetry - and you listen.

In an industry where sound and light can camouflage poor talent, or cloud good talent out, The Sum Of It All inimitably combines the narrative jewel of the ‘old’ theatre with colourful multimedia of ‘new’ theatre without losing its human and sensitive themes.

With a humbling sense of realness, the beauty of drama embraces every scene, and instead of being blinded by the light, you hear every word and see every move.

Physical theatre is not just about energetic, contemporary dance, elegant ballet or fast music. It is also about language, facial expression and movement – in all its forms – from marching to walking to stretching.

As passion is captured in every look on the actors’ faces, it is here that true the true definition of physical theatre lies.