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A little less conversation: After Sex @Arcolatheatre

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According to research, millennials in rich countries are having sex less these days. But they were prepared to talk more about it. So, it is no surprise to see a story about what happens when a series of no-strings-attached encounters start to become attachments. And the conversations arising from it. Such is the premise of After Sex, Siofra Dromgoole’s two-hander of the conversations afterwards. It’s not particularly sexy or erotic, and the snappy pacing and short scenes sometimes make you wish they stayed longer to finish the conversation. Nevertheless, it is still a funny and, at times, bittersweet picture of single lives in the big city. It’s currently playing at the Arcola Theatre .  He is bi and works for her in an office job. She is neither ready for a commitment nor to let the office know what’s happening. He isn’t prepared to tell his mum there’s someone special in his life. He doesn’t speak to his dad, so his mum is his world. It’s a perfect relationship/arrangement. Or so it

Theatre: Cirque Du Soleil - Totem


Cirque Du Soleil's journey of the origin of the species - Totem - returns to the Royal Albert Hall for a limited run. Directed by Robert Lepage, it is a thrilling and beautiful show. People fly through the air, juggle, unicycle, play tricks and clown around. It is all spectacular stuff.



I caught it last year and enjoyed it, but this time around it seemed even better. Whether it was the expectation of what was to come, or the appreciation that no performance is exactly the same it was a great night out that had the audience on its feet at the end.

The set consists of a large swamp complete with a giant turtle carapace. A crystal man sets the proceedings in motion, and throughout the show the circus set pieces are guided by a tracker, scientist and an Amerindian dancer.  There is much to take in with the spectacular set pieces, the individual acts, the music and the costumes telling a story of evolution. There are the businessmen on poles, the ladies on unicycles, and the crystal girls with the spinning towels cloths all delivered incredibly thrilling performances. 

And while you're sure that when you see there is a man in tights with a large codpiece and lady hanging from him that you are in store for some spectacular acrobatic stunts. But the thrill of watching this show is in how beautiful and seductive it is. 

There are other circus acts out there, but none look as good or are as classy. Worth a trip to marvel at the achievement of it all. It runs through to 16 February. 

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