Review: Noted, Assembly Roxy

Stage meets screen at the Assembly Roxy this summer in this playful paper production, Noted, presented by The Back Pack and Dutch Kills Theater. A team of four dynamic performers (Pete Betcher, Katie Kohler, Alec Silver, Lauren McFall) create a meticulously synchronised series of scenes, all generated by stripping back layer upon layer of pieces of paper to reveal hand-drawn images and surprising stories. Some are supported with live action video, and the piece features an upbeat backing track that generates a feel-good vibe, including everything from Mika to Whitney Houston.

This is a highly enjoyable show, full of vigour and invention. It is presented by physically talented, cheerfully charismatic performers. With hundreds of sheets to reveal in a very specific order and synchronised to music, it’s hard to begin to imagine how they do it, let alone reset the stage between performances! From backpack adventures, to a séance, to freefall skydiving on floor trolleys, just expect to see a world in action that puts magic into the ordinary. Sections are separated with fun dance breaks that add to the vitality.

The third segment of the show is entitled ‘Jetlag’ and sees the ensemble performing a number of scenes on the floor which are then shown from above, projected onto the overhead screen. It’s a complex and impressive array of exercises, in a process similar to that used by theatre company Manual Cinema. This technique can be a little troublesome for the viewer, because it’s difficult to know where to direct your gaze, and it can therefore be easy to lose focus. Nonetheless, it’s a remarkably inventive and synchronised piece of performance if you can get a grip of that.

As it is a non-verbal show and scheduled early in the day, Noted is a great choice for families and international audiences. It’s a simple premise that is well executed with impressive complexity and high energy.

Managing Director of The Back Pack: Katie Kohler
Creative Director of The Back Pack: Peter Betcher
Artistic Director of Dutch Kills Theater: Alley Scott
Managing Director of Dutch Kills Theater: Alec Silver

Noted plays at Assembly Roxy until Monday 31 August as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.