AN AIR BALLOON ACROSS ANTARCTICA Three to a Room Holden Street Theatres Until 16 Mar 2008 Review by Nikki Gaertner Artistic, polished and touching, this production is sure to please. It tells the story of Caitlin, an outgoing female explorer on both an adventurous and personal journey as she recounts her past and struggles to come to terms with her present grief. She is accompanied by an overweight wannabe lemming named Ham, illusions of explorers who have come before her, and images of her life that have led her to this point. This show is presented beautifully, from the depictions and imagery of surrounding snow to the gentle sound and lighting effects and the smooth performances from the cast. As Caitlin, Claire Glenn drifts between stillness and violent emotion, depicting the mindset of someone trying to escape their troubles but stricken with anguish. Paul David-Goddard is suitably calm-mannered in contrast, delivering a very natural and likeable performance as Caitlin’s partner, James. As Ham (the hamster), Sophie Lampel provides some lighter moments and opportunities for laughter, and the four explorers, Amelia Earhart, Sir Robert Scott, Madame Blanchard and Sir Ernest Shackleton, are adeptly portrayed by Charlotte Strantzen, Mark Wilson, Nicolette Minster and Kristian Sartori respectively. This show certainly deserves a large audience, so book quickly and be rewarded with a moving and enjoyable performance in return. Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5)