“I hope people feel what we’re trying to communicate.” Motionhouse’s Artistic Director Kevin Finnan on Nobody

By Roz Law

Kevin Finnan wants to make you cry and smile. He’s been moving audiences to tears with his new show – but he hopes they leave feeling uplifted.

Nobody is the title of the latest production from the Warwickshire based dance-circus company Motionhouse, playing at HOME Manchester from February 10-12.

“I wanted it to be a physically dynamic show but also to be emotionally engaging,” explains Kevin, Motionhouse’s co-founder and artistic director. “I hope people feel what we’re trying to communicate.”

It’s a busy time for Kevin, as he’s also creating and directing Wondrous Stories in Birmingham  in March. The spectacular free outdoor show, presented by Birmingham 2022 Festival, will take over Centenary Square to mark the start of the city’s six-month cultural festival around the Commonwealth Games.

But first comes Nobody, which has been captivating audiences and generating excellent reviews since its world premiere in London in September.

One critic described it as “an incredible ensemble piece, it’s impossible to look away”, while another said “the dancers’ total commitment and trust hold the audience in spellbound silence making a moment of theatrical magic”.

Nobody uses dance-circus skills to tell the story of isolation during lockdown, then the joy of coming together again.

Kevin says: “We weren’t able to perform for 18 months during the pandemic and you do wonder what it’s going to be like coming back, so to have such a terrific response to the new show was very positive for us all.

“Performing to live audiences is what we live for. Our first night back was very moving. And the show, because it’s informed by our experiences during the pandemic, heightened that emotion.

“We want people to have an emotional journey as they watch Nobody. Some have cried, but ultimately it’s an uplifting experience.

“We love playing in Manchester, it’s a vibrant, funky place and we’re delighted to be able to share our work there. We’ve performed in the city since the 1980s and it’s great to build a relationship with HOME”

Book tickets to watch Nobody now. Thu 10 – Sat 12 Feb, performances at 19.30 plus 14.00 matinee on Sat 12 Feb. Audio described performance on Fri 11 Feb.