Totally Theatre.com

3 December 2008

by Brenda Lee

Rating

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Now unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade and a half, you would have heard of STOMP. Originally started in 1991 as street theatre in Brighton, the show has grown in reputation and popularity as one of the most innovative and entertaining shows on the planet.

When I was asked to review this production I was as giddy as when I joined the Bucks Fizz fan club at ten years old. Okay, fifteen. However when my friend and I arrived at the Ambassadors Theatre, my heart began to get a sinking feeling. The venue seemed rather small and even a little seedy. I wasn’t sure if we were about to watch the production of our lives, or a dodgy afternoon peep show.

Thankfully my spirits were lifted when, one by one, a group of not unattractive male and female performers arrive on stage wearing nothing but sweaty combats and vests. And it is here when the real fun begins.

Using everyday household objects including broomsticks, dustbin lids and even fold up chairs, this group of eight cheeky artists generate sounds and rhythms that put my air drumming to shame. My initial reaction was a mixture of confusion and awe. At first I felt like I was watching an elongated Pringles advert, but as the production progressed, I found myself bopping along to the music as if at a pop concert.

The choreography is timed to pinpoint perfection as the performers glide, dance and stomp all over the stage. There is also humour too from the tongue-in-cheek artists as they attempt to out do each other, all in the name of comedy. Some may argue that the humour is best appreciated by kids and teenagers – my friend commented that the cast were reminiscent of hyperactive Blue Peter presenters – but I disagree. Judging from the smiles and whoops from the crowd, they couldn’t get enough of it either. Who knew watching a grown man slap himself for ten whole minutes would be so much fun.

The enjoyment was not only shared by the audience – the STOMP performers were clearly having the time of their lives. And it is here where this show really comes into its own. The artists and audience combined to generate a real feel good factor, rarely seen in other productions. Indeed an hour had passed before I realised I was tapping my leg to the rhythm and grinning from ear to ear.

If I was to criticise STOMP in any way, I would argue that the venue was too small for such a big production. And perhaps watching 8 grown people flick lighters wasn’t the best use of my time, but the sheer fun and entertainment of watching a production like this – with no story or dialogue – must surely be worth the price of the admission fee alone.