Night Night

The Last Great Hunt’s Night Night was one of the local contributions to the Perth Festival, and this visually stunning, unique piece of theatre would be appreciated anywhere in the world.

Set presumably in the Antarctic (there are penguins), although the language of the show appears Nordic, we follow a researcher on her quest to find the origin of life. The story is unconventional and takes us to unexpected places, but it is the way it is told that makes this a truly special piece of theatre.

Performers Arielle Gray and Tim Watts, working together with exquisite timing and teamwork create a film - played live and in real time, in front of the audience, using puppetry, animation and digital magic. Use of innumerable techniques, including forced perspective mean that the rehearsal for this to create exact positioning and timing must have been painstaking and extensive. Arielle’s central character is loveable and relatable as well as beautifully performed, and has us very invested in her plight.

A story of life, death and multiple dimensions that is heartwarming and inspiring, it is performed to excellent composition by Rachel Claudio.

This sold-out show deserves a return season, as the magic of this show needs a wider audience than could see it in its limited run. My personal favourite of The Last Great Hunt’s shows to date, Night Night was a joy to experience.

Kimberley Shaw