REVIEWS BELOW
REFER TO THE VAUDEVILLE THEATRE PRODUCTION PRE-TRANSFER. Seating
comments refer to that venue, and NOT to the Ambassadors Theatre.
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I recently saw Stomp, and enjoyed it very much. I sat in row K and I
agree with monkey's comments about seating.
Stomp is an excellent example of how one can entertain with
teamwork, imagination, talent and low-cost props (except for the
microphones and speakers). During one piece we were treated to music
made from a baked bean tin, a twig and two plastic shopping bags,
unlikely as it may seem, it was very pleasant.
I agree with monkey that it was sometimes too loud. There was one
piece where the noise was, in my opinion, dangerously loud. This was
when they first swing up to walkway above the stage. I recommend
earplugs for the duration (about 10 minutes) of this piece, and I am
trying to contact them on the subject before I return with a mixed
group including children and senior citizens.
This and a couple of other pieces were "serious" urban, er... music.
But the evening was leavened with comedy - slapstick but witty.
Though not a word was spoken throughout the performance we were
often laughing hard.
Towards the end there was plenty of audience participation, and I
left glowing and feeling as if I had had a good workout in the gym -
only much more interesting and worthwhile.
Adrian Redgers
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Ingenious, energetic and ridiculously cleaver. Stomp has it all. And
the action you mention above the stage is the greatest 10 minutes of
the production. The 'drum kit' made from bins, saucepans, sinks etc
spans the width of the stage and they have to use abseiling ropes to
cover the ground.
Each piece will leave you gasping is awe, in wonder at how, why, and
the simplicity. You'll never look at a plastic bag, lighter,
dustbin, newspaper or broom in the same way again.
It's so different, so original, and so involving - very different
but even those who can't stand noise appreciated it!
Alf
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I have just returned from London and took the opportunity to
pre-book tickets from your site for "Stomp". I must say it was a
brilliant and unique show and, obviously, something I have never
seen before on stage. It was a mixture of fun and laughter to
complete awe as I watched the performers make music with low-cost
props. I went to see the Lion King the night before and, in
contrast, it just goes to show that the show captivated the audience
like any other West End show without any major overheads (costumes,
make-up, band, props etc. etc.) and speech.
I had previously read some reviews on your site before I visited
London and prepared my Mum (who is 60) and my son (11) for the loud
10-minute part. However, I must say that neither of them found it
necessary to put the earplugs in!!
Although there was no break in the show, it did last for about an
hour and 40 minutes (with encores) but the time passed really
quickly and I didn't even look at my watch once!
All in all a good night out and would definitely recommend it to
others.
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Stupendous, Terrific, Original, Manic Percussion. Not to be missed!
Miles Twist
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Stomp is just fantastic. It's hard to imagine that a performance
with no speech can be as entertaining - and as hilarious - as this
is, but the hour and a half show will have you crying with laughter.
Or maybe that was just me.
Honestly, I can't recommend Stomp highly enough. All but one of the
cast members had their own brand of humour, and the various funny
bits included sink plungers stuck to a bald guy's head and a
side-splitting scene involving a very talented impressionist and an
array of creatively-used newspapers. The only performer who seemed
quite serious was clearly an outstanding drummer and dancer with an
incredible sense of rhythm. And the best thing was he didn't try to
be funny, he just got on doing what he did best.
I agree that the size of the Vaudeville's stage meant that they were
quite limited but they dealt with it well and it didn't detract from
the quality of the performers. I also find that the audience makes a
big difference to the atmosphere and, luckily, the audience I was
part of was particularly enthusiastic. There's childish humour,
adult humour (the kitchen sink scene was great) and audience
participation, but not the kind that makes you cringe and want to
dash off to the bar so you don't have to be involved. I have to say
that I was pleasantly surprised by the volume - loud but not
deafening. My ears were ringing more the following night having
returned from a UB40 charity concert.
If you've ever been a toe-tapper, fancied having a go at drumming or
enjoyed 'urban' music or street dancing, this is the show for you.
If you prefer classical music and nights tucked up with a cup of hot
cocoa, you're probably best off staying home.
Lucy
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Visited the Vaudeville last week (August 2006) with a companion (who expressed
an interest in the show) to watch for ourselves what turned out a most enjoyable
afternoon's entertainment. From the time when a first brush audibly resonated on
the stage to its finale of crashing dustbin lids and banging of plastic bins
this show held us fully entertained.
Added to this, highly amusing episodes also took place within Stomp that
required laughing on the edge of our Dress Circle Row B12/13 seats, affording us
an excellent view of the whole stage.
Another plus that helped build our enjoyment, a packed audience (so good to see
for a matinee show) helped the all round ambience of the event.
Love the decorated ceiling in the Vaudeville Theatre but found the Men's toilets
rather quaint with queuing necessary to spend a penny.
Never mind, Stomp was excellent and with time to visit the nearby Covent Garden
to watch some street theatre an all round afternoon of entertainment ensued.
My companion's favourite part was the drumming of many instruments high on the
'wall' above the stage whilst mine encompassed playing of proverbial kitchen
sinks.
See Tickets should once again be congratulated for their service in obtaining
and promptly delivering tickets for the show to our home address.
Alan
from Eastbourne, Sussex
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You could view the size of the Vaudeville Theatre as a downside, but it seems
tailor made for "Stomp" by keeping the feel of street music, improvisation, and
audience participation. Personally, I love theatres like the Vaudeville or
Fortune where you never feel too far from the action. I'd recommend the Dress
Circle as an excellent place to view the show from, though am not sure there are
any "bad" seats in the house (although certain seats do have a restricted view
for about 10mins of the show)...In contrast to some reviews, I never felt the
noise level to be too much.
"Stomp" manages to entertain and please by fusing percussive music with
slapstick humour and silent comedy. A look around the crowd mid performance
could see all ages and sexes enjoying the interaction and ingenuity of a
performance that got the audience onside from the get-go. The use of the comedy
classic "straight man" character to act as a stooge for the rest worked well and
you really got a feel for each members personality shining through... Look out
for the kitchen sink section as this had the audience roaring with laughter, and
while there may be one of two weaker sections, these are swept along with the
overwhelming tide of energy and enjoyment that "Stomp" brings.
As usual, my acid test was to ask myself "would I go see it again?" and the
answer, is "yes." In fact if you are in anyway musical like me, then there is a
good chance you will be tapping tables, clapping hands, and generally feeling
rhythmical for some time afterwards With seats at a bargain price (£20), this is
a great way to turn your brain off and sit back to enjoy a Friday night!
Graeme
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Stalls seats J6 and J7 were perfect: excellent view, just the right
distance from the stage. TKTS usually has half price seats on offer
(£19.75 instead of 40).
The show can get rather loud - when the banging on dustbin lids
starts, you may want to plug your ears. A very jolly evening was had
by all - if your are after a show with little pretension, a high
entertainment value and the occasional hilarious joke, go and see
this 'spectacle' which runs the whole gamut of percussion from finger
snapping to splashing on washboards.
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I took my 15 year old daughter last Sunday (13th May 2007) at 3pm and we both
thoroughly enjoyed this whole experience.
We were in the stalls K3 and 4 and were more than happy and could see most of
the action. I would like to go again at some later date and would like to try up
one level - there were just a few bits we missed.
Never having been to this theatre before I was impressed by the cosiness of it.
Ideal for the show.
We were both well engrossed and saw the humour and talent extremely well. To be
able to laugh when nothing has been said, just the look on the face was superb.
This was one of the best last minute decisions I have ever made. Recommend it to
everyone and we found the level of noise expected and acceptable.
I keep telling everyone I meet that they just have to go and see it.
Daf
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