★★★★☆ ½ (4 ½ stars)
Sad Book, brought to life by 201 Dance Company, is an evocative and powerfully choreographed exploration of grief, its chaos, its stillness, and its deeply personal impact.
The production was beautifully delivered and well-timed, seamlessly showcasing the unpredictable turmoil that accompanies loss. Narrated by Michael Rosen himself, the performance gained an undeniable layer of authenticity, making the emotions feel even more raw and intimate. His voice, paired with the expressive movement of the cast, created a deeply immersive experience.
The choreography was gripping. Each movement felt intentional, expertly executed by a talented ensemble. The short, erratic, repetitive gestures were particularly striking, embodying an almost visceral sense of anxiety. These moments contrasted beautifully with the fluidity of other sequences, demonstrating the ever-changing nature of grief.
An animation playing in the background was an inspired and clever addition, enhancing the storytelling in a way that felt essential rather than supplementary. Without it, the production wouldn’t have had the same depth - it added another dimension to the emotional weight of the piece. Similarly, the lighting design played a crucial role in capturing the light, the dark, and all the shades in between, mirroring the complex reality of loss.
Beyond the performance itself, the post-show Q&A created a real sense of safety and community, offering space for reflection and personal connection. This thoughtful addition gave the audience an opportunity to process and share, reinforcing the importance of discussing grief rather than shying away from it.
This was an emotional rollercoaster and I definitely needed a tissue! Sad Book is an outstanding and moving piece of theatre that I highly recommend. That said, it’s a tough watch, and anyone attending should be psychologically prepared for an intense but meaningful experience.
This is a visceral and poignant exploration of grief, produced, directed, and performed by people with lived experience.
The Old Market in Brighton provides a fantastic venue, offering the audience a comfortable and immersive experience. Sad Book is a touring production - for more details and to book tickets, visit the 201 Dance Company website: https://www.201dancecompany.com/sadbook
Running time: Approximately 55 minutes no interval
Age recommendation: 12+
Content Warning: Themes of grief, bereavement and mental health
Cast & Crew
Alan Coveney
Michaela Cisarikova
Yasmin Cogan
Sam Reeves
Tamae Yoneda
CJ Driver
Austin Bathgate
Creative Team
Writer and Live Narration: Michael Rosen
Director and Choreographer: Andrea Walker
Producer: Natalie Allison
Associate Director: Patrick Collier
Assistant Choreographer: Michaela Cisarikova
Music by: Richard Evans, Angela Pollock, Barney Morse Brown, Simon ‘Palmskin’ Richmond
Production and Lighting Design: Louisa Smurthwaite
Projection Design for Really Creative Media: Jack Fox, Louise Rhoades-Brown
Animators: Liu Bofan, Harriet Bruce, Louise Rhoades-Brown
Rehearsal Director: Michaela Cisarikova
Lighting Programmer: Robert Price
AV Technician: Tristan Tereszczuk
Production Management: Pete Rickards, Euan Jackson (for e-Stage)
Stage Manager: Lucy Ventham
Stage Crew: Zak Brewis
Lighting by: Christie Lites
Marketing Associate: Millie Whittam
PR: Paul Sullivan
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