Review: Tao of Glass (@SohoPlace)

Review by Daz Gale

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One of my favourite things about theatre is its refusal to be pigeonholed and categorised, with so many different weird and wonderful variations attempting to bring something new and distinct to the medium. Recent productions have shown that pushing boundaries is no guarantee of success, with bold ambition sometimes proving more admirable than the final result as has been the case with Trainspotting and Cleansed, both attempting something different but leaving me suitably underwhelmed. As the old adage goes, if at first you don't succeed, try again and that is exactly what we are doing with Tao of Glass, making its West End debut following a critically acclaimed run at the Royal Exchange in Manchester. Would this show succeed in shattering the Glass ceiling and make it third time lucky?

It is hard to explain exactly what Tao of Glass is, such is its refusal to fit into any sort of box. It is the result of a collaboration between composer Philip Glass and performer-director Phelim McDermott. Inspired by a dream, the show brings together meditations on life, death and Taoist wisdom with new pieces of music from Glass. If that description still leaves you none the wiser for what the show is about, I’m afraid you’ll have to see it for yourself.

That was the case for me who went into this show completely blind, with my only knowledge the murmurings from those who had seen it before who had advised I was in for a treat. Given my recent dealings with the more avant-garde side of theatre, I was slightly sceptical and wondered whether this might go over my head somewhat, but I needn’t have worried. It is quite often the case that you know whether or not you are going to love a show fairly quickly after it has begun, and I have scarcely fallen in love with a show as instantly as I did this. Much of that is down to its ingenious and unconventional opening delivering laughter before a word has even been spoken. No spoilers, of course, but expect the unexpected. In fact, the first 20 minutes or so had me leaning forward in my seat, eyes wide open with a huge grin on my face.

Coming out as strong as it did, Tao of Glass didn’t always match that high standard, and there were certain moments that lost momentum slightly. However, the overall quality doesn’t waver with a certain reliable level that is consistent throughout. It can feel like quite a lengthy show at times, coming in longer than advertised, but this is the kind of show that requires patience for the ultimate payoff. Watching aspects build slowly proved fascinating and utterly charming, with many sequences gobsmackingly beautiful.

Much of the success of Tao of Glass is down to writer and co-director Phelim McDermott, the main performer of the show. There is such a likeable quality to him as a person and a sense of authenticity in his performance, it makes it near impossible not to buy into it no matter how familiar you are with the themes or how it might align with your own values. McDermott’s performance has extreme degrees of light and shade, with him every bit as captivating in the quieter moments, even when he is motionless for an extended period, as he is when he is bouncing around the stage interacting with the audience. It is those interactions that had me frequently howling, as he demanded a critic in the front row write something down or constantly check in whether a solitary audience member had heard of certain people or terms. The fact McDermott can be as comedic as he is sincere is a testament to his strengths as a performer, writer and director, as exemplified with the care that has gone into the crafting of this show.

You don't have to be a Philip Glass purist to get enjoyment out of this production, and his presence is more than felt even if he isn’t actually present on stage for the performance. His compositions are breathtakingly brilliant with the ability to lose yourself into them - something that is very much encouraged in Tao of Glass. Wonderfully performed by a band, the space at @SohoPlace comes alive in this beautiful merging of music and theatre, breaking down boundaries to encompass a concert and performance art.

It is that performance art that adds to the magic of the show, with McDermott’s experience with puppets utilised in breathtaking fashion. Accompanied by three puppeteers, McDermott manages to pull the extraordinary out of the ordinary, using deceptively simple tools such as paper (acting as sheet music) and sellotape (genuinely the most extraordinary use of sellotape I have ever seen - not a sentence I thought I’d ever say in a review). With these simple tools, rich worlds are created with characters coming to life and scenes taking shape in front of your very eyes. Absolutely magical to witness, the pairing with Glass’ music leads to an intense and striking experience in a true feast for the senses.

Though McDermott’s hand is all over this production, it takes a village and with that, it is necessary to credit everyone involved in the creation of this production, from co-director Kirsty Housley, musical director Chris Vatalaro and designer Fly Davis, who have all united to create this rich and beautiful world, bringing McDermott’s vision to life and creating a piece of theatre like no other.

I went into Tao of Glass not knowing what to expect, and I came out of there feeling enriched for seeing something like I never have before. The joy and honesty in McDermott’s performance and creation leads to a rich tapestry of a show that acts as a love-letter to theatre, the music of Philip Glass and life itself. Through all of the intricacies, complexities and challenges we all face in our day to day lives, this show offers the rare opportunity to sit back, relax, escape and most importantly enjoy. After all, that is what theatre should be, and Tao of Glass truly embodies this. Is it conventional? Not in the slightest, but that is what makes it so intriguing. Where other shows may have failed in their attempts to be different, Tao of Glass takes the weird and absurd and makes it accessible in a way that everyone can relate to, taking the joy and wonder out of the most simple of things. At times magical, beautiful and wonderful, Tao of Glass is a show like no other and one that deserves to be seen to be believed.

Tao of Glass plays at @sohoplace until 12th September. Tickets from https://allthatdazzles.londontheatredirect.com/musical/tao-of-glass-tickets

Photos by Johan Persson