Louise Reay: Que Sera, 些拉

There's a fascinating idea at the core of Louise Reay's endearingly odd performance, and she deserves credit for both her bravery and commitment in pursuing it. Beginning with the premise that most communication is non-verbal, Reay spends the entire show speaking Chinese, but nevertheless manages to make herself understood through tone, context, physical cues and more than a few cartoonish props. This conceit is entirely successful, and in its execution, confirms Reay as an impressive, multi-talented performer.

Presenting herself as a European working as a shopkeeper in China, Reay's show largely centres around her search for love. She's aided by the sinister and somewhat unreliable Zoltar, a fortune-telling machine that should in no way be confused with its namesake in the Tom Hanks movie Big. Watching Reay assume Zoltar's controls is arguably the highlight of Que Sera..., providing her clowning and imagination with an excellent showcase.

Unfortunately, Reay doesn't seem to have as much faith in her own abilities as they deserve, and consequently looks elsewhere for entertainment. As a result, this show doesn't just feature audience participation – it relies on it. If no willing volunteers can be convinced to dress up (as a seal begging for fish and a baby suckling plastic bosoms, specifically), it's difficult to see how the show could proceed – which is probably why they aren't given any choice. This is a shame, as Reay deserves to be seen on her own merits, which are never more evident than when the show reaches its honest, touching finalé.