Review: Revel – Byre Theatre, St Andrews

A Company Chordelia production in association with the Byre Theatre and Luminate, Revel is a “60+ coming-of-age story”, fusing dance, physical theatre, dialogue and music based on performers Kally Lloyd-Jones and Steinvör Palsson’s real backstage relationship as they warm up in their dressing room before an unnamed show. Conceived, written and directed by Lloyd-Jones, the production returns both women to the stage together for the first time since Dance Derby in 2014. Its declared territory is rich: ageing, changing bodies, memory, self-image, friendship and two lives that have involved extraordinary hard work but also extraordinary experiences through dance.

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Lloyd-Jones and Palsson are every (middle-aged) woman, and the major strength of this piece is their easy rapport. Both are immensely likeable performers, technically assured and alert to one another – their comic timing gives the show a genuine buoyancy. They natter away, help each other warm up, check in on each other, and envelop the audience in their happy relationship.

The challenges of ageing bodies and minds are touched on through various devices with great humour, but I had hoped for a bit more depth to this and also an exploration of the external challenges. As any Strictly Come Dancing viewer knows, the reasons a female dancer steps away often have more to do with a production team’s plans than the dancer’s abilities.

Tied to this, we have the practical and financial aspects: If your body and the audition panel let you return after having a family, where are you going to get childcare for a dancer’s antisocial hours? How are you going to afford it, going from contract to contract on a dancer’s fees? Even without children, how are you going to pay the bills? How are you going to persuade a lender to give you a mortgage? For many – in the light of day – guaranteed income for a regular job eventually outweighs their love for the art form.

Friendship, Ageing and the Realities of Dance

Lloyd-Jones and Palsson effortlessly convey a deep friendship: Where are the stories behind this? Any lifelong relationship such as this must be a mine of tales, and as creatives, one would suspect that they have many escapades they could share with us. What has dancing throughout their lives cost them?

Both artists perform solos during the show, letting us into their surreal inner worlds. Beautiful dancers, their CVs are impressive: Lloyd-Jones has worked throughout Scotland as well as with the Royal Swedish Opera and at Glyndebourne. Similarly, Palsson has danced, choreographed and taught throughout the UK, including jobs with Ballet Rambert and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures Company.

They are ably supported by Janis Hart as designer and Kate Bonney as lighting designer. Hart creates a supportive yet interesting backdrop for the production, with lots of small touches (flight cases, cards, make-up, costumes, flowers) which are integrated into the plot. Her design is perfectly complemented by Bonney’s lighting, which is especially effective when moving from the real world to the dancers’ inner worlds.

Towards the end, Palsson is called to the stage door. Why could this be? What is happening? Lloyd-Jones doesn’t care: She has stolen back her high heels in Palsson’s absence, only to find she can’t get one on and can’t walk in the other.

On her return, the two discuss stopping dancing. Are they too old? Is it unseemly? They answer these questions by performing a stunning pas de deux, attired in the most beautiful ruby dresses and end the evening on a high.

Revel is a hugely enjoyable night at the theatre, humorously capturing the physical and mental challenges of ageing. While I would have liked to have seen more exploration of the issues and storytelling, the production is at its strongest when focusing on the two women’s friendship. With a talented cast, striking design and a feel-good vibe, you will leave the theatre with a smile on your face.

All Images: Revel_15Jul26_photo Brian Hartley

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Revel will tour Scottish stages until Friday 23rd October 2026. To find out more about Company Chordelia, click here: https://www.chordelia.co.uk/