en masse theatre

“Who'd have thought the Black Death could be so much fun? ... The very talented En Masse theatre company are masters of storytelling, but there's more to them than that. Having chosen the perfect venue for their tale, they create even more atmosphere than the dark cavernous Underbelly already affords. While their exuberant singing and musicianship makes you feel you've had an all-round theatrical experience for your money.”
* * * * The List

“expert storytelling, beautiful singing and great child-friendly humour … The cast are relentlessly cheerful and energetic in their hilarious portrayal of the gormless village folk … a really terrific, funny, family-worthy show.”
* * * * The Herald

“a piece of excellently realised contemporary theatre. The script is charming and hilarious, the acting fantastic, the music excellent and the use of stage space particularly noteworthy. In fact, We All Fall Down is nearly perfect. The only flaw I can find is that, as it’s being advertised as a children’s show, too many adults will miss out on the fun.”
Culture Wars

“The play is well put together, balanced somewhere between sinister and amusing. In some ways it does its job too well, standing precariously between being an out-and-out kids' show, a dark fairy tale in the Tim Burton mould and a black horror story, but the execution is so polished that everyone will find something to enjoy here.”
The Scotsman

“En masse are gaining a reputation for imaginative children’s theatre and this production is no exception. It is a noisy, boisterous piece of theatre, told with gusto, a deliciously dark and humorous tale accompanied by drums, accordion, tin whistle and cymbals … Oliver Birch’s script is a comic gem, revelling in parodic characters, hitting exactly the right level of knockabout play with words to appeal to children. The mix of the sinister and the silly is perfectly pitched in a strong piece of story-telling.”
The Stage

Audience Feedback 2008

“I was totally blown away by this brilliant piece of theatre. Excellent storytelling, humour and drama.”
* * * * * Caroline, audience member and mother from Fife

“I chose this show for 2 families, with kids aged 8,9,12,13. The whole lot came away on a high. Brilliantly staged and pitched - I've never seen a "kid's" show hide that label so well. The adults were captivated. Real dark issues here, with funnier lines than the typical Fringe stand-up. I'm no luvvie, but I thanked each cast-member individually at the end - must be getting old.”
* * * * * Tom, audience member and father from Scotland

“Our 8 and 11 year olds have a dark sense of humour anyway, so they really enjoyed this, as did we! Captivating, (even with the minimalist set, as the kids pointed out), haunting (loved the singing) and funny, well worth our time and money, and an excellent introduction to modern theater for kids.”
* * * * * Becky, mother from the UK

“This show was an unexpected delight. Tight ensemble acting, clever use of minimalist props, lovely singing and a challenging storyline combined into a show that we would definitely return to. The blending of historical story with fantastical Dante-esque morality tale was engaging, and left a real hunger for more. Clever one-liners and some physical comedy lifted the sombre mood sufficiently, without once patronising the young audience. We loved it and would highly recommend it.”
* * * * Delighted of Edinburgh, Scotland

		en masse original theatre for young people

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		We All Fall Down Reviews
					Back to We All Fall Down
		Edinburgh Festival August 2008 “They bound into the theatrical space with energy, verve, wit and humour which hardly dips at all throughout the hour-long performance. Their ensemble playing is excellent and they exude an ebullience of joie-de-vivre. All the members of the cast are, without exception, excellent musicians, actors and singers. It is this which makes them such successful “engineers of imagination”. * * * * * Fringe Review “This children's show is a definite score for the adults too ... They sing, dance, and mime their way through a terrifyingly hilarious trip all the way to Hell and back, ensuring that their audience gasps with delight … one of the most original kid's shows this year, and a must for fearless families seeking good old fashioned fun.” * * * * Three Weeks “Who'd have thought the Black Death could be so much fun? ... The very talented En Masse theatre company are masters of storytelling, but there's more to them than that. Having chosen the perfect venue for their tale, they create even more atmosphere than the dark cavernous Underbelly already affords. While their exuberant singing and musicianship makes you feel you've had an all-round theatrical experience for your money.” * * * * The List “expert storytelling, beautiful singing and great child-friendly humour … The cast are relentlessly cheerful and energetic in their hilarious portrayal of the gormless village folk … a really terrific, funny, family-worthy show.” * * * * The Herald “a piece of excellently realised contemporary theatre. The script is charming and hilarious, the acting fantastic, the music excellent and the use of stage space particularly noteworthy. In fact, We All Fall Down is nearly perfect. The only flaw I can find is that, as it’s being advertised as a children’s show, too many adults will miss out on the fun.” Culture Wars “The play is well put together, balanced somewhere between sinister and amusing. In some ways it does its job too well, standing precariously between being an out-and-out kids' show, a dark fairy tale in the Tim Burton mould and a black horror story, but the execution is so polished that everyone will find something to enjoy here.” The Scotsman “En masse are gaining a reputation for imaginative children’s theatre and this production is no exception. It is a noisy, boisterous piece of theatre, told with gusto, a deliciously dark and humorous tale accompanied by drums, accordion, tin whistle and cymbals … Oliver Birch’s script is a comic gem, revelling in parodic characters, hitting exactly the right level of knockabout play with words to appeal to children. The mix of the sinister and the silly is perfectly pitched in a strong piece of story-telling.” The Stage Audience Feedback 2008 “I was totally blown away by this brilliant piece of theatre. Excellent storytelling, humour and drama.” * * * * * Caroline, audience member and mother from Fife “I chose this show for 2 families, with kids aged 8,9,12,13. The whole lot came away on a high. Brilliantly staged and pitched - I've never seen a "kid's" show hide that label so well. The adults were captivated. Real dark issues here, with funnier lines than the typical Fringe stand-up. I'm no luvvie, but I thanked each cast-member individually at the end - must be getting old.” * * * * * Tom, audience member and father from Scotland “Our 8 and 11 year olds have a dark sense of humour anyway, so they really enjoyed this, as did we! Captivating, (even with the minimalist set, as the kids pointed out), haunting (loved the singing) and funny, well worth our time and money, and an excellent introduction to modern theater for kids.” * * * * * Becky, mother from the UK “This show was an unexpected delight. Tight ensemble acting, clever use of minimalist props, lovely singing and a challenging storyline combined into a show that we would definitely return to. The blending of historical story with fantastical Dante-esque morality tale was engaging, and left a real hunger for more. Clever one-liners and some physical comedy lifted the sombre mood sufficiently, without once patronising the young audience. We loved it and would highly recommend it.” * * * * Delighted of Edinburgh, Scotland