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Review: Stomp (Tour)

January 30, 2008


Venue: The Lowry
Date Reviewed: 30th January 2008

star

Stomp has been wowing audiences all over the world for a long time now, so why is it that on my second visit to the show, it still fails to have me in raptures? If you have seen the IMAX intro film at cinemas featuring the drummers drumming frantically, it takes the breath away. So, does any of this translate onto the stage?

Well, technically- as you would expect from what you have seen and read, the show is sheer perfection as the performers make every move and sound look so easy. Of course, if you have ever tried to use an old sink as an instrument, you will not find it as effortless or tune-worthy.

But, here is where the problem lies really, as once you accept that the concept is unique- that is all there is to this much loved show. So, you sit in awe as these talented men and women seemingly play anything from a newspaper to some fold away chairs. But once they start to clap their hands for the third time, you do start to feel a bit jaded.

As a Royal Variety performance segment, Stomp works wonderfully as there is something jaw dropping going on here. But without a narrative or any link between each set piece, the pace does slacken on more than one occasion. Each new instrument section reminds me of The Generation Game when an ‘expert’ comes in and teaches the contestants a new skill. To be honest, some audience participation beyond the “Clap along with me” would liven Stomp up no end.

The audience on the night I attended adored the show though, clapping, cheering and laughing throughout. But unlike Riverdance, there are not enough moments when you feel compelled to clap; often you are encouraged to so by the performers like one of those ‘fake standing ovation’ moments in a modern musical where the lead says: “On your feet, let’s have a party!” You oblige and then realise it looks like you all rose to your feet in appreciation as the curtain abruptly closes.

There is much to enjoy here as the concept has the odd segment which does leave you thinking: “How did they do that?” For instance, the finale - the selling point of the show, featuring dustbin lids is really quite something. But Stomp is rather like a song in desperate need of a hummable chorus, as it enlightens momentarily but fails to engage throughout.

-Glenn Meads

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