Synopsis A fusion of music, dance and technology. Cyberjam explores the universal language of music with jazz, pop and the classics, translated into dimensions of shape and colour.
If you want to see saxophonists and trumpeters playing their instruments while leaping on and off mini trampolines, Cyberjam is the show for you. Quite why anyone needs to see that, or musicians suspended mid-air in transparent baubles, is another question. This extremely polished but entirely pointless exercise in jazz muzak-making is quite accomplished in its way, but always bizarre, too, like a psychedelic dreamscape conjured by someone who's been on too many hard drugs.
But then the eager, energetic 36-strong cast of attractive young musicians and dancers (the latter strangely billed in the programme as "visual ensemble") look far too wholesome to have been near anything stronger than aspirin. You might, however, consider keeping a pack handy yourself, should the cacophony sometimes threaten to give you a headache. You might also want to pack sunglasses for protection against the frequently blinding stage lights, and earplugs against the din of the drums.
But if preparing for this show feels a bit like going on holiday and its origins seem quite trippy, it doesn't go on much of a journey, though a programme note insists - without apparent irony - that it does: "Cyberjam takes you on a journey through shape using three of the primary shapes that define our known universe. The circle, the square and the triangle. Expressed through the representational sound of the instruments, Cyberjam expands the boundaries of what these familiar shapes have meant to our perception."
I'm glad that's clear, then. But like those meaningless sentiments, it's entirely lacking in humour - intentional or otherwise - and a little of all of this goes a long way. Like "artistic director" (his title, not mine) James Mason's previous creation Blast!, this all-American show comes from a brass marching band and cheerleading tradition of baton throwing that might make an interesting curtain-raiser to a baseball game or theme park show, but doesn't stretch comfortably across two hours of theatre time.
Despite a score that stretches eclectically from jazz greats like Dave Brubeck and Miles Davis to an arrangement of Freddie Mercury's Bohemian Rhapsody (making this show the second in London to feature the song, since it's also inevitably the curtain call number to We Will Rock You), the result is ultimately more numbingly relentless than truly entertaining.
This was an action packed Marching band with Electricity, It was brilliant, a visul spectacular, all Music based. Beats watching An orchestra any day, a music fans must. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.63.19.99)
19 Oct 03
The show is incredible. You will leave the theatre feeling the best you have felt all week. The performers have such an incredible energy you can't help but take some with you! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.132.194.150)
05 Oct 03
Bring the kids! Ours left as wide eyed as on Christmas morning! BRILLIANT show! A thrill to watch! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.132.194.150)
05 Oct 03
The jazzers from over at Ronnie Scott's should come check out the kids in this show--It's amazing! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.132.194.150)
05 Oct 03
For a splendid night out, this show can't be missed. We were amazed not only by the performers energy and talent, but also by the shear abstract spectacle of the show! Don't miss it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (81.132.194.150)
05 Oct 03
it was a great show and i'd like to see it again - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.67.71)
04 Oct 03
it was a great show and i'd like to see it again - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.67.71)
04 Oct 03
I just saw Cyberjam this evening. The house was not sold out, and I am lost as to why not. Rarely have I seen a London audience to enthralled and so energized by a show. A beacon of light in an otherwise dreadful West End. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.218.160.82)
01 Oct 03
Unbelievable talent, poise and power. The performers are pros and they take you on an incredible journey. The show is great from the beginning to end. A must see! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.218.160.82)
01 Oct 03
Is it always bad when a show is made simply to entertain the masses? I love the great works of "legit" theatre, but CYBERJAM is simply a spectacle not to be missed--FOR THE SHEAR OVERWHELMING ENTERTAINMENT VALUE. Total squares should stay away though--It is anything but! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.218.160.82)
Sister theatre to the adjoining Gielgud (originally the Globe) when it opened on 8 Oct 1907. Bombed in 1940, re-opened in 1959. 979 seats. Member of the Society of London Theatre. In 1999 Delfont Mackintosh Theatres Limited acquired the freehold of the Queen s and the Gielgud Theatres from Christ s Hospital, Horsham. The lease of the Gielgud Theatre will revert back from Really Useful Theatres to Delfont Mackintosh Theatres in March 2006 after which there are plans to refurbish both venues and to build a 500-seat theatre, The Sondheim, above the Queen s. This will be the first new theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue since 1931.
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