Tom Tom Crew

Tom Tom Crew
E4 Udderbelly
19th June – 17th July 2009

Reviewed by Rachel Sheridan for the British Theatre Guide

It’s difficult to describe the indescribable. I shall do my best but have to insist that you go down to the big, upside-down, purple cow on Southbank and catch the Tom Tom Crew for yourself as this is an act that must be experienced first hand. Yes, you did read right, I did say a big, upside-down, purple cow, otherwise know as the E4 Udderbelly; a temporary venue which has been erected as part of the Summer season down on Southbank.

The Udderbelly is due to present a wide variety of shows but for now it has opened its udder? To the Tom Tom Crew, direct from Broadway, after sell out shows in Sydney and Edinburgh. This is a circus for the clubbing generation. This youthful, vibrant group of boys from Australia combine their talents to make music and show off their acrobatic prowess in the most imaginative and unbelievable of ways.

On the decks you have Sampology who has turned spinning records into an art form as he combines sound and vision to create a multi media sensation. DJ Dizz1 is on the drums; but why keep things simple? Of course drums are fine but it’s far more exciting to do something different, like play blue plastic barrels for instance. DJ Dizz1 creates as much energy and buzz as if he were playing an electronic drum kit as his arms move at such a speed, his drum sticks become a blur, while all the while ensuring that the audience are pumped and there’s a “vibe” in the house. Generating music in the most inspired of ways, DJ Dizz1 is also spectacular on the omnichord; but you’ll have to see the show for yourself to learn more about this instrument.

Tom Thumb’s beatboxing is like a magic trick as he produces the most bizarre spectrum of sounds, often making three of four sounds simultaneously. He is the mixing deck, the drum kit, saxophone, bass guitar and even the female vocals as he becomes a jazz quartet or a DJ scratching his records. It really is something that has to be seen to be believed.

As if this wasn’t enough, you then have four acrobats flipping their way about the space, hanging from the ceiling, executing the most fantastic displays of agility and throwing themselves from a teeter board (imagine a terrifying see-saw) which leaves you with your heart in your mouth.

Separately these acts are impressive but combined they are a spectacle. Tom Thumb hooks his microphone to the decks and lays down his catalogue of sounds for Sampology to scratch, filter and reverse (yeah, I know the lingo; I’m down with the kids!) Meanwhile DJ Dizz1 is beating his drums like a maniac whilst the acrobats bounce, somersault and fly across the space as if dancing in a club.

I’ve already given too much away, so let me just finish by saying the Tom Tom Crew are an example of pure, raw talent at its best. These boys are clearly having the time of their lives on this stage and what’s great is that they are determined the audience will share this experience with them.

New Voices: Broadway Outside the Box

New Voices: Broadway Outside the Box
Directed by Annette Jolles
Presented by New Voices Concerts (NVC)
Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall
One night only – 12th October

Reviewed by Rachel Sheridan for the British Theatre Guide

One off cabaret performances involving stars from the West End seems to have become very popular of late. Usually performed on a Sunday they give the dedicated fans of musical theatre another opportunity to see their favourite performers do something a little different.

This is exactly what New Voices: Broadway Outside the Box wants to do; produce musical theatre that is a little bit different and unexpected. Conceived in New York in 2003 the concept was to create a show in which new and established composers and lyricists could explore new directions with their work.

The composers and lyricists are presented with various stimuli for which they can draw inspiration from. Maybe a city, or a concept such as love or even a poem and they are encouraged to take risks; to produce music that the audience would not expect from them. Obviously if you aren’t familiar with their work, you won’t appreciate the new direction they are taking but it certainly will not taint your enjoyment.

New Voices places its emphasis on the story of the song. There are no fancy costumes or big dance numbers, simply a small band and on this occasion eight performers taking to the stage to share with you these stories. Hosted by the very dry and witty Richard Sisson (a composer himself with recent works including The History Boys at The National) the audience were taken on a journey through New York City, the ins and outs of complicated love affairs, a young girl’s teenage crush on a boy called Eduardo and a surprising turn into the adventures of a foolish cookie boy.

Particularly poignant moments came from the beautifully composed “The face” by Steve Marzullo which took it’s inspiration from an obscure poem from the early 17th century poet Arthur Gorges. One song comprised of three poems running separately yet simultaneously was performed by Damian Humbley, Oliver Tompsett and Liam Tamne. Malinda Parris bought the audience to a complete silence on more than one occasion but particularly with her stunning rendition of the song “Out of Love” composed and written by Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler. There was also a great deal of humour throughout, especially from Dianne Pilkington (currently playing Glinda in Wicked) in “Eduardo” (Marc Smollin/Kelly Dupuis) and “The Cookie Boy” (Sam Davis/Sean Hartley) doing what she does best; comedy with a heart.

This was not a one off visit from New Voices, with another performance already planned for March 2009 showcasing more new material and starring more West End names it won’t be long before New Voices is no longer new to London and a regular date for all musical theatre fans.