Review: Standstill

The stories keep moving – like a relay – switching from one scenario to another at breakneck speed. The characters transition smoothly and keep the momentum of the Sorkin-style dialogue (probably more Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip than West Wing). Not one of them stumble.

Andi Crown (Andi, Dr Peter Thomas, the tour guide, the advisor), Kevin Keys (Kevin, Colin the Cambridge Cannonball, John the nurse, the man seeking advice) and Josephine Stewart Tewhiu (Josephine, the Power Speaker, various others) are equally electric, weaving the stories and bringing life to characters who want the unobtainable, only to have the end-line move farther from their reach.

It is obvious by their familiarity with, and performance of, the work it is directed by the writer, Anders Falstie-Jensen. Despite the unorthodox – albeit obvious given the show's theme – use of treadmills, the interaction and delivery is utterly natural.

Stripping the set to just treadmills, minimal props and three spotlights keeps the focus on the elusive chase-the-dream story. Fittingly, I leave wanting more.

There's no question that Standstill would be a success anywhere in the world. Even with the intrinsically Kiwi elements, the underlying stories and message are universal and relevant. There's no ‘GC' cringe here. See it and tell The Rebel Alliance Company to tour Standstill around NZ (it's already heading for Wellington and Hamilton's Fuel Festival) and overseas.

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