“WHAT? WHY ME? WHY YOU? I’M THINKING ABOUT STARTING A ZOO!” These words, projected large, cemented the comic absurdity informing Animal / Vegetable / Mineral.

The first section (defeat must be conceded when it comes to determining which, if any, pertained to the production’s title) was a languid and expressionless affair, set to the bloodless music of Scritti Politti.

The second held much more dynamism. The dancers’ unitards resembled neopolitan ice cream from the front, shadows from behind, and the attitudes held were those of power and provocative sexuality.

PiL’s Albatross with its Billie Jean-esque throbbing bassline provided the perfect pitch between punk and pop.

A student of Rambert Dance Company, Clark ascended to become the enfant terrible of 1980s performance art, collaborating with such non-conforming luminaries as Leigh Bowery and The Fall.

This disregard for order manifested itself with the audience being plunged into darkness during the interval, leaving many stumbling back to their seats chaotically, the dancers performing their exacting, jaunty, avant-garde work apace.

Following a finale that was both Hitchcockian and Mighty Boosh-like, the audience demonstrated their appreciation with a standing ovation.

Admiration for Clark’s daring, impactful work lies undiminished in Brighton.