Werewolf

Review by David Middleton

Whilst queuing for entry to the performance space, we are instructed by the Director that we are to sit only on a chair that has a numbered card upon it. We are then told that we must read the instructions on the reverse side of the card very carefully, so as to be clear as to how and when one's participation is required, with a strong proviso that we reveal this to no one. We are then patrolled into a rectangular room with blacked out windows, and choose a seat. We become aware that two wardens, defined by their arm bands, are amongst us.

What follows is a slowly revealed national emergency, with a growing sense of unease over a lockdown isolation period of seven days – and nights! This is not a thorough fright-fest and much laughter is to be had, but is a compelling study in how a group dynamic is swiftly established, then inexorably eroded over the days and nights that follow, as the tension and sense of threat is ratchetted up by the ‘wardens’ and audience input.

This is a fun performance (if you are not of a terribly nervous disposition) that is convincingly played by the ‘wardens’ who lead a chilling social crowding experience.