Stomp

Stomp is a high-energy Physical theatre performance that combines Music, Dance, and Comedy, created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. The show features a talented cast of performers, including John Bigham, Carl Smith (musician), and Fiona Wilkes, who use everyday objects, such as Brookstone trash cans, Honda hubcaps, and Kleenex boxes, to create an engaging and entertaining experience, often compared to the works of Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil. With its unique blend of Theatre, Music, and Dance, Stomp has become a global phenomenon, performing in numerous cities, including New York City, London, Paris, and Tokyo, and has been featured on various television shows, such as The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

● Definition

Stomp is a type of Performance art that emphasizes the use of everyday objects as musical instruments, often incorporating elements of Improvisation and Street performance. The show's creators, Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, drew inspiration from various sources, including the works of Harry Partch, John Cage, and Karlheinz Stockhausen, as well as the Percussive dance styles of Savion Glover and Gregory Hines. Stomp's unique sound is often compared to the music of Bjork, The Beatles, and Radiohead, and has been featured in various Film and Television productions, including The Simpsons and The Muppet Show.

● History

The concept of Stomp was first developed in the 1980s by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, who were both members of the Street band Pookiesnackenburger. The duo's early performances, which took place in Bristol and London, featured a mix of Music, Dance, and Comedy, and were influenced by the works of Monty Python and The Marx Brothers. Stomp's first official performance took place in 1991 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and was followed by a successful tour of the United Kingdom, including performances in Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow. The show's international debut occurred in 1994 at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and was followed by performances in Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide.

● Performance

A typical Stomp performance features a cast of eight performers, who use a variety of everyday objects to create music and tell a story, often incorporating elements of Mime and Physical comedy. The show's set list includes a range of pieces, from the Brookstone-inspired "Brooms" to the Honda-themed "Hubcaps," and features a unique blend of Percussion, Dance, and Theatre. Stomp's performers have included John Bigham, Carl Smith (musician), and Fiona Wilkes, and have been praised by critics, including The New York Times and The Guardian, for their energy, creativity, and skill. The show has also been compared to the works of Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group, and has been featured on various television shows, including The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

● Music

The music of Stomp is a key element of the show, and features a unique blend of Percussion, Rhythm, and Melody. The show's creators, Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, have drawn inspiration from a range of musical sources, including Jazz, Rock music, and World music, and have collaborated with various musicians, including Bjork and Peter Gabriel. Stomp's music has been praised by critics, including Rolling Stone and The New York Times, for its energy, creativity, and originality, and has been featured on various Film and Television soundtracks, including The Simpsons and The Muppet Show.

● Impact

Stomp has had a significant impact on the world of Performance art and Entertainment, and has inspired a range of other shows and performers, including Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil. The show's unique blend of Music, Dance, and Comedy has also influenced the work of various Choreographers and Directors, including Savion Glover and Gregory Hines. Stomp has also been recognized with numerous awards, including the Olivier Award and the Drama Desk Award, and has been praised by critics, including The New York Times and The Guardian, for its originality, creativity, and energy.

● Variations

Over the years, Stomp has undergone various changes and adaptations, including the creation of new pieces and the incorporation of new objects and themes, such as Recycling and Environmentalism. The show has also been performed in a range of different settings, including Theatres, Stadiums, and Festivals, and has been featured on various Television shows and Film productions, including The Simpsons and The Muppet Show. Stomp's creators, Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, have also developed various spin-off shows and productions, including Stomp Out Loud and Stomp Live, which have been performed in Las Vegas and New York City. The show has also been compared to the works of Monty Python and The Marx Brothers, and has been praised by critics, including The New York Times and The Guardian, for its energy, creativity, and originality.

Category:Performance art