Party streamers form curtains, and the muted strains of fairground waltzes add a carnival air to the decadence and high drama of Russian Roulette - Lea Anderson's ingenious dance production in six episodes inspired by Fyodor Dostoyevskys synonymous relationship with gambling and writing.

Performed with deft poise by eight dancers from The Cholmondeleys and Featherstonehaughs, five of the six shows termed Rounds feature guest duos plus the entire cast for the concluding sixth performance and finale. Tonight's Round 5 includes performance artist David Hoyle and previous Cholmondeleys collaborator Ragnhild Olsen.

As warped sound-scapes fade, giving way to pulsating live base notes, two androgynous figures swathed in sumptuous faux-fur weave through the standing crowd, each followed by a concealed accomplice sporting a flashing red globe and back-to-front cape. Wearing identical jet-black lacquered wigs and imperious expressions, David Hoyle and Ragnhild Olsen mount small podiums, arching and contorting with lofty aplomb. Mirrors line the walls opposite creating a kaleidoscopic trompe l'oeil as the full cast appears against the glass, wearing feathered head-dresses and iridescent bodysuits - with prosthetic front-facing buttocks as focal points.

The dancers sashay from left to right like a mutant chorus line. Sometimes they gyrate provocatively, pelvises in full effect, waving clusters of feathers like crazed cheerleaders. At other times, movements are precise and structured. Visuals explode throughout the evening with a continuous momentum like a firework display. Simon Vincenzi's remarkable design for the most part feels as much a key element of Russian Roulette as the hypnotic choreography. Unearthly sounds of house band Swinging Arm Assembly (formerly known and billed as The Accumulator) add menace, intrigue and suspense. The live accompaniment is a treat, with musical direction from Steve Blake.

Returning for the finale and sixth piece a couple of days later, all special guests and cast contribute to create an extended performance. With nods to retro nightlife fused with present-day culture, Lea Anderson delivers a dark but exuberant tour de force.

Cast Credits: Performers (alpha order): Anna Pons Carrera. Gary Clarke. Kath Duggan. Valentina Formenti. Ryen Gangnes-Perkins. Maho Ihara. Inn Pang Ooi. Sam Tanng. Special Guests (alpha order within rounds): Round 1 - Rob McNeill & Michela Meazza. Round 2 - Makiko Aoyami & Luca Silvestrini. Round 3 - Frauke Requardt & Paul Wilkinson. Round 4 - Antonia Grove & Andy Williams. Round 5 - David Hoyle & Ragnhild Olsen. Round 6 - Full cast. Live Music: Swinging Arm Assembly (formerly known as The Accumulator) (alpha order): Steve Beresford, Steve Blake, John Edwards, Thebe Lipere, Maurizio Ravelico, Mark Sanders, Will Saunders, Pat Thomas; plus weekly guests.

Company Credits: Choreographer - Lea Anderson. Musical Director - Steve Blake. Design - Simon Vincenzi. Writer - uncredited. Director - uncredited. Lighting Designer - uncredited. Sound Designer - uncredited. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - The Cholmondeleys and Featherstonehaughs. Website - www.thecholmondeleys.org

END

(c) Anna Goodman 2008

reviewed Wednesday, 10 December and Friday 12 December 08 / Royal Vauxhall Tavern, London UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com