Without maths, Geddes Loom wouldn’t have a show; without maths, we wouldn’t have pineapples. This show promises to make you look at the world in a different way and to appreciate invisible patterns that create meaning.
Geddes Loom is a new company. This is their first show together, and of course, their first Fringe. They describe themselves as musicians who got lost in a theatre and are still trying to find their way out. It is hard to define this show by genre. It’s not a play. It’s not a gig. It’s a combination of live music and storytelling that is not quite cabaret. It succeeds in making maths accessible and even exciting. This is a show of interesting ideas and beautiful music.
Leonie Kate Higgins has a remarkable singing voice, and although her spoken voice needs to be bigger at times, she nonetheless draws us in, particularly when weaving a tale about Tessa, who relies on the patterns maths make to help her cope.
Ben Mellor has a good rapport with the audience as he further demonstrates that maths is everywhere in the universe. It’s a testament to Mellor’s storytelling skill that I remained drawn into the tale of Leon, even though I didn’t particularly like Leon’s character.
Dan Steele, described as the Harpo Marx of the group, doesn’t tell stories or speak at all, but he does speak through his guitar in a couple of very funny moments and his music – live and looped – carries the show. At one point he even played percussion on his guitar.
Higgins said at some point in the show that “without mathematics there can be no art.” Maybe that’s true. Without maths, Geddes Loom wouldn’t have a show; without maths, we wouldn’t have pineapples. This show promises to make you look at the world in a different way and to appreciate invisible patterns that create meaning.
