The Flames – Traverse Theatre

The much loved over 50s ensemble group,  The Flames return to the Traverse theatre with another verbatim-style, mixed medium show.

Produced by Tricky Hat Productions, The Flames uses each ensemble member’s personal memoirs to collate together a story.  In this case, the connecting theme of all these individual memoirs was jealousy.

Alongside the candid monologues, video and text was projected onto the back wall of the stage.  Quotes, presumably taken from the ensemble, were projected – each providing a different outlook on how they define jealousy.  As well as this, black and white video of the ensemble was also projected.  From raw close-ups that captured a wide-range of expression and emotional depth, to wide shots that artfully superimposed its subjects as they moved around the screen.  Compiled by the company’s digital artist, Kim Beveridge, these projections were gorgeously shot and edited.  I especially enjoyed the moments where the footage looped and reversed as the subjects laughed, cried, and grimaced – we saw every specificity and impulse in their faces as they changed and moved, highlighting the complexity of emotion and humanity.

With each member’s confession, the authenticity and vulnerability displayed was commendable.  It really allowed the audience to connect to the ensemble – I laughed, I cried, I got a real snapshot of these people’s lives through even the shortest of confessions.  From Stories of love at first sight, to the passing of loved ones, The Flames took us on a journey through life, both the rough and the smooth.

When each soloist took to the foreground to say their piece, the ensemble ebbed and flowed in response to the stimuli.  This physical theatre aspect added a very dynamic element to the show, bringing yet another layer of dramaturgical meaning to the piece.  In much of this movement, the ensemble were huddled together, intertwined, or moving as a collective.  Choreographed by Laura Bradshaw, the ensemble looked to really enjoy the playful and experimental nature of this physicality.

All the while, The Flames were accompanied on guitar by composer Malcolm Ross.  Ross’ playing was, much like Bradshaw’s choreography, very free and spirited.  It captured the essence of the dialogue perfectly, with eerie stabs and flowing cadences – this really added to the feeling of the piece, evoking even more emotional response from the audience.

The Flames was truly moving and I can only hope to have such stories of my own one day.  When each medium came together, they wove together to create something that resonated beautifully and made us all akin.  And now I know for future reference to always wear a large brimmed hat if expecting cicadas, and that it is always handy to have an amicable relationship with a psychopath just in case I want to do away someone…

Reviewer: Jessie Martin

Reviewed: 14th February 2026

North West End UK Rating: