A Microscopic Odyssey has, so far, delivered the most beautiful moments of lighting using an overhead projector, torches, and a mirrorball. Placing this at the heart of ‘how’ the story is told speaks of a company that is curious, inventive, and committed. This successfully mirrors the characteristics of microbiologist James Weiss upon whose life this piece is based. 

Ben Boulton-Jones plays both Weiss as a child living in a violent home and an adult giving a lecture on his discoveries surrounding waterbears (which are delightful and well worth hearing about). We bounce between Weiss’ past and present, exploring his life through our new understanding of the waterbear. Boulton-Jones provides a truthful and open performance throughout and impressively holds onto the childlike delight, both through the trauma and into adulthood. This, alongside the wonder created by bodies and light in front of the audience, takes us with him.

The movement elements of the piece are energetic and powerful, the connection between the ensemble providing real presence and communicating Weiss’ emotion in that moment. At times, the piece sticks in these moments of imagery, rather than action that moves the narrative forward, but it is engaging all the same.

The piece as a whole holds clarity and purpose. It is relevant to its audience and provides a new lens to see ourselves, though. As such, whilst the framing of a lecture works brilliantly, we don’t need the final wrapping up or digital projection to receive the message of the play. The direction and performance of the piece have already done the work.

The writing, direction and performances deliver an engaging and heartwarming show (and fringe debut) from Mycelium Theatre Company that reminds us to engage with the beauty of reality, nature and what it can teach us about being human.

Reviewed by Megan Purdie. @seenbypurdie

Four Stars.

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/a-microscopic-odyssey