Tao of Glass Review: McDermott's Stage Magic Meditates on Glass 2026

The Tao of Glass review captures a theatrical meditation on minimalist master Philip Glass, as director Phelim McDermott transforms a never-made show into a beguiling tapestry of music, puppetry, and personal reflection. This London debut of the 2019 Manchester International Festival hit is not a conventional biography, but a poetic exploration of creativity, inspiration, and the elusive origins of art.

McDermott, known for his award-winning work with improvised theatre company Improbable, sits initially in the front row, then magically appears on stage. The show weaves fragments—a shattered coffee table, the I Ching, Maurice Sendak, a flotation tank, and Deep Democracy—into a cohesive narrative that asks, with Glass's own question: where does music come from? The answer unfolds through a series of vignettes, each set to a specially composed piece by Glass, performed by a quartet of musicians alongside McDermott and three puppeteers.

The Tao of Glass: A Storytelling Tapestry

This is theatre about theatre, a monologue that uses every trick in the genre's playbook. McDermott transforms a sheet of manuscript paper into a hooded Chinese philosopher, turns the inner mechanism of a piano into the New York skyline, and makes kitchen utensils into an orchestra. The show is a stage magic spectacle that delights in its own artifice, breaking the fourth wall and even delivering a jump-scare.

The catalyst for this meditation is a project that never came to be: an adaptation of Maurice Sendak's In the Night Kitchen, derailed by the author's death. This absence becomes a creative springboard, allowing McDermott to explore his lifelong fascination with Glass, which began as a teenager listening to Glassworks on repeat and later included a little light stalking in Covent Garden.

Where Does Music Come From? The Core Question

Glass's music has been a 'river' through McDermott's life, and the show meditates on the mystery of artistic creation. For 'music', read art, inspiration, life itself. The minimalist master's compositions provide a hypnotic backdrop, but the real focus is on the act of making meaning from disparate elements. The result is a tear-jerker, a fourth wall in tatters, and a celebration of creative joy.

Don't expect a linear narrative; instead, the show offers a series of interconnected moments that build to a profound emotional resonance. The puppetry is exquisite, the music is sublime, and McDermott's charisma carries the audience through this unconventional journey.

Comparison: Tao of Glass vs. Traditional Theatre

Key Takeaways from the Tao of Glass Review

• Stage magic is used to explore deep philosophical questions about art and inspiration.
• The show is a personal meditation on Philip Glass's influence, not a biographical account.
• Puppetry and music combine to create a unique theatrical experience.
• The absence of the Sendak adaptation becomes a creative catalyst.
• McDermott's monologue is humorous, heartfelt, and deeply engaging.

FAQ

In conclusion, the Tao of Glass review reveals a show that is as much about the creative process as it is about the minimalist master himself. It's a must-see for theatre lovers and Philip Glass fans alike, offering a unique blend of humour, pathos, and pure theatrical invention.