Dust Never Settles in Torchlight

NakedFeet Theatre’s Dust Never Settles in Torchlight is a short and sweet reimagining of a selection of Greek myths. Whether or not you’re familiar with the myths of Echo, Narcissus and Pygmalion, the physical theatre involved is utterly captivating and the imaginative lighting design (the stage is almost entirely lit by hand-held torches) transports you to another world.

There are some beautifully evoked moments in the show, especially in the myth of Narcissus

The movement itself is fantastic and the performers are clearly very talented, gliding across the stage with amazing grace and fluidity; the company seem to be perfectly in sync. This, coupled with the torchlight, left me astounded, so it was a shame that it doesn't blend seamlessly with the storytelling. 

At points the narration feels clunky and interrupts the action rather than enhancing it – in such a kinetically dynamic and visual show, stillness is a hindrance. Additionally, the company don’t entirely commit to the whole lit-with-torches shtick and the moments of still narration are performed with a general wash rather than in the magical torchlight.

But there are some beautifully evoked moments in the show, especially in the myth of Narcissus, as the nymphs dazzle and distract Narcissus, leading him to the lake where he sees his ghostly, ethereal reflection. NakedFeet Theatre are clearly talented and creative, I was just left wishing they’d play to their strengths and give us more of their mesmerising movement.