It’s been a long two year wait for the incredible Spies Like Us Theatre, who finally get to bring Speed Dial to the Pleasance Dome this Edinburgh Fringe, following a string of past successes. The physical theatre company bring us their most ambitious production to date, a gripping thriller set on the grounds of a 1970’s university.
Written by co-artistic directors Ollie Norton-Smith and Hamish Lloyd Barnes along with Joe Large, the company seems to have had the time to really work on the script, so that the story takes centre stage.
We follow the story of a Professor, estranged from his family, who seems to be being followed by ringing telephones, when he finally answers he discovers that his daughter is being held captive. Along with over enthusiastic student, Terri, and host of interesting characters from around the university, the Prof sets out on a mission to solve all the clues that will save his daughter.
The physical theatre element is absolutely still there, and Zak Nemorin’s choreography is as strong as ever, with the ensemble often working together to create very cinematic looking scenes that reinforce both the setting and emotion of the story.
Writing a mystery like this can be tricky. You want the audience to feel like they’re solving it with you. Too many clues and they might solve it early, not enough clues and they might feel cheated out of the chance to play along. Speed Dial doesn’t fall into either trap, the puzzles are gripping and the solutions make sense, which is essential in a thriller like this.
Spies Like Us have not strayed away from their comedy roots, and despite the subject matter there’s still plenty of laughs to be had, Tullio Campanale is particularly funny as the Dean, and the relationship between the Professor and Terri makes us want to root for them even more.
Speed Dial is incredibly good fun, with a very well-constructed and cryptic mystery that’s just begging to be solved. This show proves once again that when it comes to physical theatre, Spies Like Us are pushing boundaries and leading the field.
