Commissioned by the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Wales’ punk circus NoFit State is putting on another of its off-kilter fusions of dance, acrobatics and modern clownery with the return of Lexicon this Christmas season. In the director’s seat is Firenza Guidi, whose past productions with the company stretch as far back as 1995’s Autogeddon and go up to the more recent Bianco, parts one through four.
Described by the company as “a world inhabited by quiet misfits and furious poetry,” Lexicon debuted in Cardiff in 2018 to rave reviews. The show has since travelled around the world before settling back down in the UK at London’s Roundhouse for a stint, and then onto some Easter dates on home soil in Cardiff Bay last year. This time, the big silver top tent is landing in Sophia Gardens.
Expect gravity-defying feats of playful dexterity, anarchic set design and appropriate levels of ‘alternative’ Christmas magic in what’s promised by NoFit State to be a “really festive comeback special.” COVID compliance is a given, as is a fully heated tent with a winter warmers-stocked bar.
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wed 15 Dec-Sat 15 Jan (no performances on Mon 20, Sat 25 or Sun 26 Dec; Sat 1, Sun 2, Sun 9 or Mon 10 Jan). Tickets: £15-£24. Info: here
words HANNAH COLLINS