To be honest before the show, I wasn’t sure what Stomp was exactly. I had heard of it, I know it has been on West End, Off-Broadway and it even had a little performance segment at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in London. But that information isn’t enough to tell me what Stomp is. It was only until I found myself applauding 8 people holding brooms that weren’t even wizards, did I realise what Stomp was all about.
Stomp is a theatrical performance that celebrates rhythm, dance, percussion and the everyday little things in life. One would not normally consider wooden sticks, trash cans, zippo lighters, shopping trolleys, basketballs and kitchen sinks as instruments, but then again these are no ordinary circumstances. This is Stomp, where Items from our everyday life are reused as instruments of sound to create music.
My favourite parts of the show would have to be the performance with the wooden sticks and the clever choreography with the zippo lighters. Even with no dialogue, Stomp is not only original, impressive and incredibly fascinating, but it is also wildly entertaining and surprisingly funny. The cast are not only talented and clearly incredible dancers and musicians, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how fit they all were and how much stamina they would need to be so energised and precise for a full 1 hour and 45 minutes. Not only was the improv done so well, but the professionalism, choreography and execution of each segment was flawless.
Stomp is a unique experience that is worth every cent and is applicable for all ages. And if being entertained is not enough, you get to join in the fun with a little audience participation which is honestly the cherry on top to guarantee a great night. I was so happy and inspired, I even found myself tapping my hands in the car on the way home which is something I never do, so I guess the cast of Stomp really are wizards after all?
Stomp is currently on an Australian tour but are in Melbourne at the Comedy Theatre for 8 shows only, so get in quick. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.
I was pleasantly surprised by how hilarious this show was. Still gives me a chuckle when I think about it.