Theatre Review: Life in Miniature

Life in Miniature may be small in size, but don't be deceived. Created and performed inside a caravan by Serena Chalker and Quindell Orton, of Anything is Valid Dance Theatre, this half-hour dance work is pleasing on many more levels than one would expect fitting into its tiny performance space and timeslot.

Climbing aboard the vintage (but thankfully air-conditioned) caravan and settling into one's bench seat gives the delightful impression of being taken on a mini road trip into someone else's life. Looking around the interior, though, it's hard to imagine where the "dancing" is going to take place.

Fear not. The pair give new meaning to the expression "climbing the walls", navigating the space with bold precision.

These large-scale, often caravan-shaking moves are beautifully counterpointed by smaller, gestural sequences. The proximity allows the tiniest flicker of a facial expression to become choreographed.

As tension builds between the travellers, the work oscillates between quirky, almost slapstick humour and something darker and more surreal. At times, the audience is centimetres from the action, ensuring that every nuance is magnified.

It's close, at times too close for comfort . . . and it works. Contemplating a trip on the caravan? It comes highly recommended.