Pugilist packs little punch

Benji Reid has accrued an impressive reputation in movement-based theatre. A choreographer and main dancer for Soul II Soul and a champion body-popper, Reid here presents a double bill of solo performances.

The Pugilist is the tale of Sweet Boy Barry, an ageing boxer who can't give up the trappings of fame, and his corner man Goffa, who is the only one aware of what is really driving Barry. Reid morphs convincingly between characters, but the story stutters.

Much better is 13 Mics, an inventive polemic which puts forward the argument that 'hip hop is dead'.

Reid, helped by three musicians, moves deftly through time, giving life to each era of hip hop as his gangly, loose-limbed form is energised into displays of formidable bodypopping and B-boy posing. It's a passionate, strongly developed piece of theatre.

Until Oct 25, Lyric Hammersmith, King Street W6, Mon to Sat 8pm, £7 to £12, £5 to £7 concs.

Tel: 08700 500 511. Tube: Hammersmith

Benji Reid: 13 Mics & The Pugilist