STOMP has exploded into the Capitol for a brief season 31 July – 5 August 2018

The joyous rhythmic romp that is STOMP, which has now been around for over 25 years , has returned to Sydney for a fast and furious brief season.

The incredible super fit unnamed – there are no programs –  cast of eight ( six men, two women) is full of high octane energy that leaves you exhausted just watching . It is a very accessible piece of non -verbal percussive comic theatre, with great characterization and warmth.

The heavy industrial site STOMP set is a weighty industrial-looking metal scaffold hung with various everyday objects, and the cast are in baggy, casual clothes with clunky work boots that can function as tap shoes.

The cast use ordinary found items (matchboxes , brooms, newspapers, basket balls, paint tins, water coolers, pipes, garbage bags and bins, shopping trolleys  etc ) to explore the various sounds they produce.  There is tightly choreographed ensemble work and each cast member also has various mini solos throughout.

The intricate timing, pacing, canon and rhythms are precisely coordinated and require amazing strength, control and agility .  There is much warmth and humour. Sight gags are included ( eg the conflicting size of a pipe , or mop and the naughty end of the kitchen sink sequence ). Not forgetting the hilarious newspaper sequence with one man wearing paper ‘braids’ and posing as a cheerleader.   

Sounds vary from pop, bubble, squeak, finger snap, crash bang, squish and rustle to thumps and throbs .Musical styles range from Flamenco palmas , Jamaican tin band and gamelan orchestra to fast and furious Taikoz drumming.

Dust flew vigorously in the extended opening Broom sequence . Another audience favourite was the mesmerizing zippo lighter sequence where the lighters pulsated and flickered like stars.  

The huge black tyre sequence is full of energetic deep bass rumbling thumping Taikoz drumming.

The finale is the iconic garbage can lids sequence including mock fighting.

Much fun was had in audience participation with various cast members leading us in assorted clapping rhythms at particular points of the show.

Yes folks this show DOES include ‘everything AND the kitchen sink ! Go on , treat yourself to this wild , exuberant ,percussive performance.

STOMP [Facebook] is playing at the Capitol Theatre [Facebook] until August 5.