The stunning transformation of the Lyric’s stage into a bustling futuristic metropolis means the start point for a review of ‘Minority Report’ has to be the scenery.
Production Designer Jon Bausor, Video Designer Tal Rosner, Lighting Designer Jessica Hung Han Yun have embraced the challenge of reimagining Stephen Spielberg’s epic version of Philip K. Dick’s short story, and shown what can be possible with minimal sets, maximised by versatile, agile actors.
The transitions between scenes are astonishing. The audience is transported from a lecture hall to busy sidewalk, from tortuous high-rise structures to the back of a cab.
This epic sci-fi tale has been retold by actor and writer David Haig, now sited in the UK. The script benefits from the addition of sardonic British wit, delivered by AI voice companion David (Tanvi Virmani), and now includes a complicit Home Secretary, and a Dame Anderton (an electric Jodie McNee) replacing the male protagonist of the book and film.
‘Minority Report’ is one of many productions around the country that has a run time of 90 minutes or less, with no interval. These abbreviated performances are making theatre-going a much better experience for many visitors.
For those with limited mobility, there’s no rush to the toilets/refreshments area during the interval and for those with neurodiversity resulting in shorter attention spans, there’s the chance to take in excellent theatre in a manageable format.
The Lyric works really hard to produce inclusive ground-breaking theatre for multiple audiences, with a programme of free first nights for local residents and multiple audio-described, chilled environment, BSL interpreted and open captioned performances.
Chilled performances relax the theatre ‘rules’ within the auditorium, so audience members can experience and react to the performance in the best way for them. No content of the show changes, but the lights are left on at a low level throughout.
They’re suitable for anyone who might need to make a noise, leave the theatre and re-enter, or ask a question to a companion during the show. That means they’re also ideal for anyone experiencing dementia or Alzheimer’s or those who might be nervous about being in a traditional theatre environment.
Minority Report at The Lyric, Hammersmith, runs until May 18, with an Audio Described performance at 7.30pm on May 14. To book and for full accessibility information visit https://lyric.co.uk/
Yorumlar