Review: The Last Beginning, Fringe 2024

I was excited to see some more physical theatre this Fringe, so I got myself down to Greenside for sci-fi themed The Last Beginning – having made full use of the press lounge beforehand (thanks, Greenside!).

So, what is The Last Beginning about? Well, here’s the description:

When there is no one left but a handful of the human race, what keeps them going? Are we hardwired to self-destruct or can we find something that unites us all to survive and thrive? This production brings together dance, acrobatics, aerial silk, a new multi-person dance sphere, original composition and innovative technology to create a new look at who we might become.

The vibe

The image at the top of this blog is what the audience walks into. It’s sci-fi mixed with contemporary art right from the get go, with the white light emanating from the cage in the middle. I immediately got the feeling I was going to enjoy this show.

The show itself

There’s only a handful of humans on a mission to continue the human race, and they’re on their way to… their destination. Wherever that is! I’m assuming it’s a planet that hasn’t been completely messed up by humans.

It’s important for them to complete their mission, and they have a little time to train before they get there, so everything should be just grand, right? Wrong.

I love The Last Beginning’s combination of sci-fi, story and physical theatre. There’s dance, acrobatics, a little bit of circus and the help of lights and audio-visual sensory stuff going on in the background to really immerse the viewers in what’s going on.

I particularly enjoyed when the final human emerged from their pod, along with the physical aerial silk work and cage work. It’s an absolute delight to watch.

Unfortunately, I suspect you can probably already guess what happens when humans – even ones with a very important mission where everyone is needed – are left alone with weapons and emotions. We f*** it up – but I won’t spoil it for you as to how.

Overall

Overall, a very enjoyable, immersive piece of theatre from the LSU Physical Theatre based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States. I’d see this again.