Even the Devil Has Demons

Caitlin Barnett brings Even the Devil Has Demons to the Ocean Theatre at Pavilion Dance South West on Friday 4 December. It's a piece of contemporary dance that takes a long, hard look at Britain's political elite as they confront the demons of their past, present and future, set to pumping, adrenaline-filled dance and an original techno-inspired soundtrack.

Barnett works from the idea that Britain's private boarding schools act as training grounds for political leadership, leaving a lasting mark whose damage trickles down. The show delves into the psyche of political leaders to explore how early experiences might shape policy and affect society's mental wellbeing, and asks whether young people today can lead with compassion over cruelty. It's a heavy set of questions, but the dance carries them.

What makes this one stand out is the cast: it's staged by a local company of the next generation of dancers from COAST, so you're watching young Bournemouth talent on their own turf. The performance runs 55 minutes and is recommended for ages 14 and over. After the curtain, there's a post-show talk that opens up the issues around mental health, so you can stick around and talk through what you've just seen.

It's held at Pavilion Dance South West, a registered charity and central Bournemouth creative dance hub that runs classes for all abilities alongside its contemporary dance theatre programme at the Ocean Theatre. Tickets start from £8, and the theatre is in the Lower Gardens on Westover Road, right in the heart of town.