Over and Over (and Over Again), Candoco Dance Company Review
Photo by Hugo Glendinning
Written by Eleanor Strawson for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
With moments that give you goosebumps, times that make you laugh, and themes that truly make you think, this production is a mesmerising way to spend an hour, capturing the perspective of disability within rave culture in a powerful and thought-provoking way.
All performances are relaxed and captioned, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you step inside the building. The staff are warm and friendly, adding to the inclusive environment, with an access table clearly visible as you enter and a pre-show access tour available for guests who may find it helpful.
Although there’s no spoken dialogue, the narrative is easy to follow. Carefully chosen music and impactful words projected onto the set help define key moments, guiding the audience through the story with clarity and intent. Told entirely through movement, this beautiful production speaks volumes with every gesture. It’s just as meaningful for those well-versed in dance as it is for newcomers exploring the art form for the first time.
In the post-show talk, co-producer Dan Daw shared how touch plays a vital role in the performance, particularly in the way the dancers connect. There’s a thoughtful focus on how people with disabilities use touch to navigate both the world and each other, referencing moments of intimacy within rave spaces.
Touch, in this context, also relates to access. Providing access is an intimate act—it’s about ensuring safety and comfort in a shared space. Sometimes it’s a physical connection, but it can also be as subtle as a glance across the room to reassure or engage.
While the dancers tell a powerful story through their bodies, it’s the lighting, set design, and music that elevate and complete the experience.
The creative team, Stef O’Driscoll and Raquel Meseguer Zafe, alongside Dan Daw, also shared how building a rest-centric creative process not only supported the wellbeing of the team, but also allowed everyone involved to remain present and intentional—ensuring the message of the production came through with clarity and care.
Even as someone without a background in dance, this was truly a beautiful piece. I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience of a Conduco Dance Company production, and I’d highly recommend catching this show when it moves to Sadler’s Wells East (Stratford) on 2–4 July 2025.
★★★★★
