Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre preface their new show by warning that it has no logic. Never was a truer word said. Don't expect any shepherds, wise men or carols. Instead, you are treated to a fascinating exploration of the rituals of Christmas and Easter.
Many festive favourites and sacred cows are introduced and sent up, including Jesus, Santa, flickering trees and terrified turkeys. While this may sound light and breezy, the choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan and his performers explore deep issues and take many risks.
Fabulous Beast's world is surreal and anarchic, its inhabitants never finding an easy path to redemption. Dance and visual imagery are used to portray the cruelty of fate and human nature.
The performers are all excellent. Rachel Lopez de la Nieta is a lyrical dancer who moves with grace and fluidity, and Alex Leonhartsberger is equally strong. Together, they dance a series of duets in which they glide over the floor and lift, balance and throw each other with effortless ease. Unfortunately, these sequences are quite short, leaving you longing to see more.
Guy Ryan is very effective as Jesus, although some of his solos are far too long.
The counter-tenor Christopher Robson cooks up a storm as a lonely singing Santa who is obsessed with time. He is a delight to see and hear.
The set design, by Juman Malouf, is deliberately gaudy, while Tina McHugh provides effective lighting and Philip Feeney's score is a gorgeous mix of contemporary music, percussion and distorted Christmas tunes.
Keegan-Dolan is a visionary, pushing the boundaries of dance and theatre. Christmas Show must be experienced.
Runs until September 22nd; bookings at 01-6796622