Tales from a House of No Windows, Alchemy Troupe – Laughing Horse @ The Three Sister

**** (4 stars)

There is an unpleasant smell emanating from upstairs and flies are circulating in increasing numbers. Whatever did happen to the girl in apartment F7? This moody production combines VT projections, live music and physical theatre to tell its twisted tales. Three intertwining narratives give us an insight into the lives of the tower block residents.

Tales from a House of No Windows is a highly original compendium of work.  In the dim half-light of The Three Sisters’ performance space the atmosphere is heavy and unnerving as we take our seats. A crumpled white sheet forms the projection screen, distorting the pictures on it and making them appear more as shapes and shadows than recognisable images. The sung a-capella introduction is both haunting and compelling. Live piano music plays throughout the action and is reminiscent of the accompaniment to an old silent movie.

This will probably prove to be polarising, Marmite theatre, indeed two audience members walked out of the performance I attended. On the other hand, I love Marmite and innovative performance. I am happy to surrender to the Gothic spectacle and enjoy the imagery of a finely crafted script. Clearly this form of theatre will not be to everyone’s taste and some may find the lack of any discernable narrative frustrating, especially in the early part of the show. The monologues are dark and disturbing, demonstrating the contempt with which some people regard their fellow human beings.

What is undeniable is the quality of the acting; one performance is given entirely without speech. The three women and one man are excellent and strike the perfect tone. The Alchemy Troupe have three other productions on at this year’s Fringe, this is the only one on the Free Fringe. With ticket prices soaring it is extremely encouraging to see a piece of this quality and originality available to all.

Laughing Horse @ The Three Sisters, running until 29th August, 3.45pm.  Free event.

Sara-Jane McGeachy