Words: Francis Wylde 
Image: Maeve O’Connell

4 Stars

Daniel Nodder’s Only Bones is an astonishing display of physical theatre, clowning and imagination. Using only his body and a single lightbulb, Nodder takes us on a journey through the history of the universe, from the Big Bang to dinosaurs, climate change and the eventual death of the stars. There is no dialogue, no set and no props. It’s utterly captivating.

Nodder’s ability to move and control his body is incredible. He twists, melts, stretches and transforms into everything from tiny creatures to exploding stars. His hands become jaws, wolves and faces. At one point, his kneecaps even serenade each other. It’s absurd, but fantastically so.

The show is a brilliant reminder of just how much can be communicated without words. The physicality is impressive in itself, but it’s Nodder’s expressions, facework and clever use of sound that really bring the story to life. There’s a real sense of playfulness throughout, with surprising moments of comedy, including wordless interactions with the audience, that add warmth and lightness to the performance.

There are points during the more abstract sequences when it’s difficult to follow exactly what is happening, and the pacing occasionally stalls. But this doesn’t take away from how mesmerising Nodder’s movements are. I was captivated even when I was a little confused.

Only Bones has a real magic to it and is unlike anything else I’ve seen at the Fringe. A wonderfully weird yet beautiful celebration of what the human body can do.

Only Bones
Downstairs at Assembly Roxy
5-30 Aug
20:20