Emily Woof’s Blizzard is now in London after wowing the Edinburgh Fringe last year. No stranger there because of her one-woman shows in the 90s, she has written and performed this piece to look at love, science, and philosophy.
David (unseen) and his wife (Woof) are a happily married pair, both using the nickname ‘Dotty’ to refer to each other. He believes that everything can be explained by logic and calculation. She is a free spirit, looking for inspiration.
When her husband becomes indisposed and unable to deliver a lecture on his life’s work, She Dotty (as I will call her) is sent to substitute for him in Switzerland. Possibly because he trusts no one in his field to interpret his words? We don’t know.
In any case, from the moment we join Blizzard, seemingly mid-way through a conversation, we feel Dotty is a controlling clever-clogs. Nothing has shades of grey or bursts of colour for this fussy man.
She Dotty’s interpretative movement (by Sian Williams) between scenes, her chatty deconstruction of the lecture, and dress with a mind of its own hint at her inquiring and open mind. Even a pretentious performance artist who mimics animal and bird calls “for hours” interests her.
The set (by Ellie Winter) is white cardboard with a space behind for screening. Along with some projections, a roll of twine criss-crosses the stage by the end to create an Alpine slope. It makes the performance space at Soho Upstairs flecked with snow and adventure.
Woof is an energetic presence, bringing both She Dotty and Anita (the animal mimic) into sharp relief. Director Hamish McColl keeps the pace up and allows Woof the space to tell the story of this relationship, whether by interacting with the audience or gleefully FaceTiming in a posh Swiss cafe.
You don’t need to have heard of Nietzsche to enjoy Blizzard, which has very funny, closely-observed moments before heading to an ending that feels completely appropriate. We all have the wonder of the world within us, Woof tells us.
****
Image credit: Viktor Erik Emmanuel
Blizzard continues until 25 May at Soho Theatre Upstairs – tickets here.