REVIEW - Golem at the Young Vic

FIVE STARS

IMAGINE a world in which machines and technology take control of humans and their lives.

Well in Golem, now on at the Young Vic, that is what happens. Created by theatre company 1927 the piece has been written and directed by Suzanne Andrade and combines film, animation, live music and acting.

It is performed by five actors, two of whom play the instruments, in front of a massive screen which has rolling cartoon style imagery throughout.

The piece concerns Robert, a geeky chap who we are told smells of unwashed hair and mathematics, and who lives with his sister and grandmother, but who one day buys Golem.

Golem is a huge clay man - cleverly projected on to the screen - who starts by helping Robert out both at work and at home.

He does Robert's job faster causing a certain amount of disgruntlement amongst his colleagues, and he reorganises Robert's home life too - causing concern there too.

But Robert is pleased with the results and forms a bond with his clay friend.

But then of course just as things are ticking along nicely, with Robert getting a promotion and a girlfriend, Golem starts to turn the tables.

Firstly another Golem comes along, a newer version that can do things better and bigger, and then more Golems come along.

Before he knows it Robert and his family are but shadows of their former selves and utterly subservient to the Golems.

Brilliantly conceived and staged, the story is simple and effective and with a witty script this is fantastic 90-minute show.

Golem is on at the Young Vic, The Cut, Waterloo until January 31. Tickets from £10. Visit www.youngvic.org/ or call the box office on 020 7922 2922.