Missing

Venue: Bristol Old Vic, Bristol

Date reviewed: 12/9/2013

WOS review: 5 Stars *****

Memory is a popular subject. Loss if it, the enhancement of it and the manipulative effect it can have are all ways the subject has been dealt with recently. Gecko’s take on the subject takes memory to a whole new different level as it packs a punch on its tour that takes in Bristol Old Vic.

At the centre of the story is Lily. She is in the midst of trying to discover who she is and by exploring her memories, she hopes the answer will present itself. The real power of Missing is that by exploring Lily’s journey, Gecko’s use of multiple theatrical techniques stretches over a wide canvas that always brings us back to ourselves.

The narrative of Missing is non-linear and skips back and forth through Lily’s life as we see her various struggles: her relationship with her husband, family, friends and experiences are all presented using an enthralling collage of language and image that breaks your heart one minute and makes you laugh with joy the next.

Epic staging allows for the geography of the memory to be explored through a wonderful design that includes images coming out of the darkness into focus with clever and simple use of frames. Memories flash out of the darkness, like trying to access a thought or dream which all goes to highlight the beauty and horror of recalling memories or accessing our past.

With this flawless production, Gecko have created a wonderful, beautiful roller coaster ride into the murky world of memory.

MOIRA HUNT