Reviews

RELEASE

‘A sharp, impeccably performed and blazingly impassioned piece of theatre…simply terrific’ **** The Times

‘Icon Theatre has created one of the most compelling and theatrically effective pieces of storytelling on the Fringe; and as we watch with our hearts in our mouths, we are praying not only for these three characters, but for ourselves, and the whole future of the society in which we live. ’ **** The Scotsman (Selected as 'Hotshow')

‘Stellar high energy, gritty performances, strikingly staged…a moving, forceful production’ **** British Theatre Guide

‘A shining example of how to devise and perform multi-disciplinary theatre… An important piece of theatre… ***** Fringe Review (Selected as 'Outstanding Show')

'One of the best Fringe performances of 2011' **** Edfest Mag

'Stunning, beautifully choreographed and executed... A very engaging and thought-provoking piece of theatre, and one I would definitely recommend.' **** www.thepublicreviews.com

'A strong piece of writing delivered with passion and vigour' **** Broadwaybaby

'A moving and compelling piece of theatre' ****www.sgfringe.com

'A very relevant and exhilarating piece of work' **** Remotegoat

‘Artfully choreographed and perfectly executed’ ****Three Weeks

'This is the most captivating new play I have watched in a long time and its one of the best things I’ve seen so far at this years Fringe Festival' . www.thegoodreview.com

'Great cast and a really well put together show… We really enjoyed it’ BBC - CULTURE SHOW

Audience reviews (All reviews from ticketholders, submitted on www.edfringe.com)

'Powerful, full of pace, urgency, passion, brilliantly acted, great use of sound and staging, thought provoking and moving. Brilliant.' - Andrew Reston

'This was a 5 star performance and producton. We have attended at least ten shows this wek and Release is the most outstanding of them all. One to watch!' - Frank Tota

'Excellent very talented actors here kept me captivated - well worth it!' - Lesley Foster

'Incredibly powerful. The best show I've seen so far at the Fringe. All three characters deliver captivating performances and were well worth rousing applause and a standing ovation. A must see.' ·- Ryan Taylor

'A moving and well researched account of a desperate situation told with invention and imagination. Totally involving. Fantastic combination of the the dramatic and the physical.' - Alan Williams

'Highly recommended it deserves full houses' - Martin Egan

Previous shows

The Mouse Who Saved Christmas

'Lovely theatre... No wonder the children were so entranced. If I see a children’s Christmas show this year with more charm and originality, I shall be very surprised.'

The Stage

Gradgrind (Hard Times)

'Icon has achieved something remarkable...this is a theatrical treat.'

The Stage

'Bleak but brilliant, Hard Times will mesmerise with its impeccably-acted, creative storytelling which successfully blends hard drama and physical theatre. It’s worth every carefully-counted penny.'

Newsshopper online

'Icon Theatre company are to be applauded... A dazzlingly well conceived, dynamic piece of work'

Croydon Advertiser

'Innovative in its use of mime, physical action and puppetry. Icon Theatre here shows us how important our imaginations are in creating and responding to theatre.'

Worcester News

The Canterbury Tales

'... bold, inventive, funny and immensely absorbing. Their many costume changes were imaginative, their energy astonishing and their ability to convey so much using so little gave the play its strength. Congratulations to the cast, director Nancy Hirst and the production team for creating such an innovative and hugely enjoyable piece.'

Herald Eastbourne

'... it is a joy to see a company like Icon Theatre remind us that people make theatre and that young performers who can act, sing, dance, tumble and mime are as exciting as the most spectacular pyrotechnics.'

Evesham Journal

'These players were great in tragedy or comedy. The three young and talented actors deserve much praise. Yasmin Gurreeboo, Philip Oakland and Patrick Taggart never lagged. Nancy Hirst's ingenious staging also impressed and Richard Cross' musical interludes created just the right ambience.'

Gloucestershire Echo

'An entertaining introduction to Chaucer's timeless tales of human weakness, the power of love, and the folly of people failing to practice what they preach'.

Wiltshire Gazette

The Men's Room

'The cast do a fine job in bringing James' caustic dialogue to comic life, and director Nancy Hirst makes inventive use of basic set and props, with wooden blocks acting as bars, urinals and changing rooms. Inventive, funny and interesting.'

Time Out

'One moment I was laughing, the next minute agonising over the anguish of a character... Male or female, I recommend a visit to The Men's Room.'

Croydon Guardian