Louise Blackwell

Image - Hugo Glendinning
Image - Hugo Glendinning
Image - Hugo Glendinning
Image Daniele Fummo
Image Daniele Fummo
Image Daniele Fummo

On the High Road by Clod Ensemble

Watch the trailer. Credit: Lisa Cazzato Vieyra

An intoxicating explosion of movement, music and light.

A disparate group of people find themselves caught in a terrible storm on the High Road. Whether old or young, pilgrim or party-goer, they must all seek refuge under the same roof. As the night draws in, they dream, pray, dance, party and fight – waiting for the dawn to come.

Directed by Suzy Willson, a company of dancers, actors and singers warp time and perspective to create an epic moving sculpture. We watch human beings as if under a microscope, attempting to share space within their homes, cities, states and continents.

Paul Clark’s original score counterpoints wind howls, downpours and thunderclaps with the brilliance of the human voice. Twisted classical textures stumble into drunken bar-room pianos, and mournful songs build to pulsating clubby rhythms. Featuring award-winning Irish folk singer Thomas McCarthy and acclaimed soprano Melanie Pappenheim.

The stark monochrome design, kaleidoscopic movement and exhilarating music conjures a feverish end of epoch atmosphere. At once dance, theatre and gig – On The High Road’s turbulent blend of movement and music defies categorisation.

See what audiences said here.

Read a review from British Theatre Guide here.

And from the Oxford Mail here.

The World premiere was in on 24th April 2019 at the Southbank Centre in London and then we toured the show to Cast, Doncaster, New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth and Oxford Playhouse.

Supported by The Wellcome Trust, Arts Council England and New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

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