Birmingham Hippodrome- until 11th October 2025
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
Motionhouse: Hidden returns to Birmingham Hippodrome for the second part of its UK tour. Bringing a visually rich and emotional performance that continues the company’s tradition of blending dynamic physicality with inventive stagecraft. Conceived and directed by Kevin Finnan, and produced by Louise Richards, this latest work delves into the internal worlds we often conceal. The struggles, fears, and moments of resilience that shape who we are beneath the surface.
Told in two acts ‘Descent into Darkness’ and ‘Finding The Light’, the Hippodrome stage is dominated by a towering, industrial scaffold-like structure that acts almost like a character in its own right. The dancers interact with it constantly by climbing, swinging, balancing, and falling. The choreography is intense and highly physical, as expected from Motionhouse. This isn’t just dance, it is dance-circus. The performers move with a raw, almost desperate energy at times, shifting between tightly controlled sequences and explosive outbursts. The small and perfectly formed ensemble of seven dancers (Alex De La Bastide, Olly Bell, Llewelyn Brown, Dylan Davies, Blair Moore, Sophie O’Leary and Beth Pattison) work together with precise and impressive synchronicity. Each performer is not just dancing but catching, holding, and literally supporting others. They clearly have complete trust in each other, as well as themselves. This is essential when you are performing the breathtaking and risky moves within a piece like this. It feels wrong to single out any performer for extra praise, as they all work together with such perfect unison.
Throughout the show, multimedia elements, particularly projections, are used to powerful effect. Abstract visuals wash over the set and dancers. They help build an immersive world that feels part dream, part dystopia. While much of the movement is physically demanding and visually striking, there are also moments of softness and stillness, rather than simply watching endless gymnastic tricks. Hidden does demand a level of engagement from its audience. There’s no clear storyline or spoken word to guide you. Those seeking a more traditional narrative may find certain aspects of it difficult to follow. But for those open to interpretation, it offers a unique and interesting experience. Scenes that stick in my mind include a dramatic section where two dancers are encased in (fully biodegradable) cellophane wrap within the set. It is quite a surprising sight, and very unsettling to see their struggle and eventual release from the wrap. Many moments leave the audience on the edge of their seats fearful for the performer’s safety, but every single trick, throw and catch is cleverly thought out and practised to perfection.
Technically, the show is tight. The lighting (Genevieve Giron), projections (Logela Multimedia), music (Tim Dickinson & Sophy Smith) and set design (Simon Dorman) all work in harmony, and the Hippodrome’s expansive stage gives the production room to fully realise its ambition. The final scenes leave the audience to think about what they have just witnessed long after they have left the theatre, for me it was an unsettling, but thought-provoking dance production.