Ellie Whittaker and Alexander Burnett who have devised this show about competitive swimming were both trained in the LeCoq method of physical theatre.  After taking up Aqua Aerobics two years ago, I was drawn to their comedy show The Crawl at the 10 Dome space at the Pleasance Dome in Bristo Square.  They manage to convey the physicality of swimming on stage in their shiny swimming costumes but in air rather than in water.  They are both amazingly athletic and you have to admire the balancing, contortions and sheer drama they achieve.

It is  physical theatre; they narrate and illustrate in a storytelling tradition using their bodies.  Whittaker and Burnett devised this show during the Paris Olympics in 2024 with Olivia Zerphy directing them.  They are accompanied by Andrés Hernandez playing original music and providing the excellent sound effects, adding to the excitement.   

We meet many characters, the coach, the commentators, the families of two competing swimmers who meet in Paris and sometimes members of the audience are called in to help out, creating great fun for all. Hats and costume change as well as voice and posture to differentiate the people. Touches of quick wit are there. A Frenchman in the audience called in to help was given a red beret as well as a swimming cap. The quixotic performances are both charming and amusing as we meet Steve, played by Whittaker, an English tearaway who finds a meaningful life in swimming in races and is as close to a self-starting sportsman as you could meet.