Frantic Assembly

An Introduction

Frantic Assembly are a contemporary physical theatre group that aims to create theatre that is enthralling, energetic and unique. Started in 1994 this company has become a big name in the theatre industry. 

Physical Style

Frantic Assembly mix naturalism with the physical aspect of dance. For example in Lovesong they have scenes where the couples are talking before going into a dance in the next scene. This theatre group style is very physical and one of their artistic directors once said 'the more physical, the better'. They've been described as 'high octane' before, this can be seen in many of their performances. The play Stockholm is about an abusive relationship and how this couple are either one of two extremes, either they are deeply in love or they hate each other. This is relevant to many relationships however not in such an extreme way. There are some very physical love scenes in Stockholm. This is Frantic's trademark. That there work represents something that the audience can relate to, for example the theme of Love and Abuse. Frantic have described love and say how its 'a leap of faith'. 

Another Frantic piece showing the theme of Love is Lovesong. In this many different mediums and devices are used to convey a greater message about the themes being portrayed. Devices such as a flashback are used to show the elderly couple looking back to their younger relationship. This is shown with a physical piece to show young love. Frantic also described that with each piece they have to find a new 'Physical Vocabulary', and that it needs to suit the cast. For example an elderly actor isn't as physical as a young actor. They also need to find a new vocabulary as they are conveying a different message in each piece. 

Blend With Naturalism

In many of Frantic's pieces they blend their physical side with Naturalism this is good because they can entice a new audience through naturalism, as well as having many physical aspects which attracts a different audience. Their story of Lovesong also works with naturalism as there is an older couple who are likely to be less physical and so they can have more dialogue and be more naturalistic than the young couple, this shows a nice balance between both naturalism and physical theatre.

Frantic Assembly's high octane work means that it gains a lot of popularity. This Theatre Group are different in their own unique way.