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	Assembly Roxy Theatre 2-12, 14-19, 21-27 Aug, 11:15am-12:15pm Reviewed by Alice de Cent
Recommended for age 12+ only.

In the early part of the twentieth century, Captain Ferguson combines his twin loves – his country and flight – to produce an inventive method of reconnaissance and combat, attempting to create a balloon squadron to defeat Kaiser Wilhelm’s forces.

David Nelson gives a rounded performance in this one-man show. His portrayal of the Kansas native Ferguson is well-drawn, and nicely enlivens the folksy charm of Isaac Rathbone’s script – bringing out the humour as well as the more moving elements.

Captain Ferguson’s instruction to his men lends itself perfectly to audience interaction, and Nelson handles it well, making it a feature of the piece. Director Philip Emeott has wisely chosen to build up the interaction over the course of the show, letting the audience ease into it.

Considering the adventurous setting the show sometimes suffers from a lack of energy. The projected scenes involving the Ferguson’s three superiors feel overlong, with each of them speaking in turn slowing the pace without adding any real characterization.

The show could perhaps do with an injection of energy to really bring out the comic side of Ferguson’s fervor, which could in turn throw a brighter spotlight on the tragic elements of the piece. So there are aspects to be ironed out, but Captain Ferguson’s School For Balloon Warfare has an interesting premise, and manages to be both funny and touching.