Review: The Life and Loves of a Nobody, Crucible Studio, Sheffield

Finding the sublime and beautiful in the seemingly ordinary, Third Angel’s latest show manages to almost entirely avoid the potential pitfall of gazing for too long at its own reflection.

The focus is Rachel, an ‘entirely ordinary’ 36-year-old who gazed out at life from her Sheffield high rise flat as a little girl. Now she has grown up and led a life that is surprisingly extraordinary. Not that she sees that.

A heartfelt performance from Third Angel co-founder Rachael Walton, as Rachel, this is actually a life less ordinary. Running away to join the circus, loves and lives lost – Rachel has done it all and we’ve all been there. At least that’s how the audience is made to feel with a performance that is unshowy and as a result, entirely relatable.

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While the performance is beautifully understated, the same can’t always be said for the overall feel of the piece itself. There are several moments where the direction does something bold, interesting and risky. For the most part, the risk pays off, but not always. The piece asks for the audience to sit and watch as a very deliberate series of actions take place.

Some audience members may find the long, drawn-out movement mesmeric, others may find it tedious. However, even those who find those more demanding moments difficult will find much to simply enjoy in a gentle and often moving piece of work.

Now touring, for venue details visit www.thirdangel.co.uk

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