Sputnik Sweetheart - Arcola Theatre

[joem]

Based on Haruki Murakami's novel of the same name this is a beautifully staged production which uses different media and levels to create a magical atmosphere full of mystery and insinuation. Adapted by Melly Stills and directed by Bryony Lavery.

However I find, as with much of Murakami's work except perhaps some of the films, that it adds up to a lot less than what it promises. Stylisation is no substitute content. When you peel away the layers, the effects, the poses, the razzmatazz.... you end up with a fairly humdrum, sort of three-sided, relationship which could have been summarised in five minutes. The emperor may not be naked, but he is very lightly dressed.

[Dave B]

I was quite disappointed by this. From the brief reviews thread a couple of weeks ago

If the time spent trying to catch the mood of the book pretty successfully had been spent on catching the heart and soul of the book - this would be something special. UNfortnatly, it is not. The destination seems to be more important with the main plot points of the book hit but never given time to land. No time spent to bring us into the relationships and to understand the emotions. Staging and that is really well done and bits are just excellent but it feels soulless and I was disappointed. 2 stars.