Pandora – Coronet Theatre

Under the masterful direction of Riccardo Pippa, PANDORA marks the second coming of the Italian physical theatre company Teatro Dei Gordi at the Coronet, and it’s nothing short of a gem.

Set in a public toilet at what’s likely the most transient, eclectic train station in town, the stage transforms into a delightful playground for a colourful parade of modern “stock characters,” sharing surprisingly intimate moments. From a clumsy germaphobe facing a grandpa with childlike incontinence, to a failed cook and a struggling office manager finding solace in a quick smoke, ballroom dancers battling stage fright, and my personal favourite, an appalling street performer whose memory and confidence are restored by a caring commuter, each character bursts with quirks and backstories. The sheer variety is a testament to the inventive genius of a company that’s been wowing audiences for over a decade—a true triumph in the post-COVID world.

The true magic here lies in the improbable encounters between these strangers: avoiding, judging, listening, and supporting each other through epic moments of human failure in some of the most unexpected (and sometimes absurd) ways. Despite featuring only six actors, their transformative mastery fills the stage with what feels like twice that number.

At its heart, PANDORA is a celebration of the human spirit in all its weirdness, messiness, and beauty. A genius love poem to humanity, it’s a Pandora’s box of emotions and laughter that, once opened and emptied, leaves you with renewed faith in humanity and, quite frankly, asking for more.

Reviewer: Klervi Gavet

Reviewed: 27th February 2025

North West End UK Rating: