Words by Luke Gallagher
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As a very regular performer, I get to travel around the country and meet a variety of people and places regularly. It’s also because of this vocation that I love nothing more than going to shows, be it a gig, a play, a comedy show. The live arts is a thrill I can never get enough of. A recent invitation to review the latest show to hit Prescot was my chance to go along and experience a form of live art that I don’t often get to see; dance.
Set within the beautiful backdrop of Shakespeare North Playhouse, I arrived for an evening of wonder with one of the most gifted and thought provoking storytellers via the medium of dance I have ever had the privilege to see.
Aline Costa, born in Switzerland, trained in Mexico, has recently settled in Liverpool, which she now calls home. She has been working tirelessly to bring her new piece to the stage in the form of In Bloom.
I don’t say this lightly; it was the most breath taking show I’ve witnessed in a long time.
I have never known anyone who can use movement and imagery to deliver a story quite the way Aline can. She still leaves room for interpretation among the audience members within the delivery and I found myself getting hints of dark humour in the narrative, which appealed to my League of Gentlemen style kind of patter.
I almost had to question whether I was a charlatan being present in the audience because, I have to admit, I didn’t know such a wealth of expression or emotion could be possible. To see Aline’s work is nothing short of magical. Her quirky personality shone through and lit up the room. Her spellbinding presence seemed to take you by the hand through all the twists and turns of the tale she was unravelling.
Soundtracking In Bloom was local avant-garde quartet, Ex-Easter Island Head. Their music was captivating and really held the physical theatre performance together in the most complimentary way. It seemed like they were destined to be brought together to create the show.
I was left speechless and I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Aline on a perfect performance and wonderful show. She deserves every accolade and recognition I am certain is coming her way.
I am already looking forward to having the pleasure of stepping back into Aline’s eccentric world again in the very near future.
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Reviewer was in attendance for Aline Costa: In Bloom at the Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot on 18th July 2024.
