Familie Flöz is a Berlin-based troupe of actors / creators who tour the world with their unique shows.

So, how does the show translate? Quite simply – body language, writes Lynda Smart.

The actors' faces are completely covered by caricature masks, and not a single word is spoken, but this goes far beyond your basic mime.

Between them the actors play some 19 different characters – the staff, owners and guests of the Hotel Paradiso.

The leads are a bickering brother and sister, their elderly stick-wielding mother, and a chef who would probably be more at home at Psycho's Bates Motel.

Although the masks allow for no visible expression, emotions are conveyed by the merest change of stance, tilt of the head, or angle of the body – it makes you realise just how much of human communication is non-verbal.

The physical action is combined with perfect sound effects, and the mood can change instantly from tender intimacy to full-on slapstick.

The actors are both athletic and balletic in their movements, and the simplicity and innocence of their performance techniques belies its sophistication and brilliance, which captivates from the off.

Curve is the only UK date for this delicious black comedy, but if Hotel Paradiso comes this way again, make a booking, for it is a true maskerpiece. Ahem.