A musical like no other from the minds of Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas can be experienced at the New Ambassador’s Theatre in the West End. It is a show that has fans around the world, with international editions attracting many familiar faces to its stage, from Steven Spielberg and Bruce Willis to Bruce Springsteen and Rosanna Barr, as well as British celebrities such as Griff Rhys Jones, Lenny Henry and Dawn French.
It can only be “Stomp”, a show that first appeared on a UK stage back in 1991, making its London debut at the Bloomsbury Theatre, with an appearance at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh the same year. It is a show with fairly humble origins that has since expanded into a worldwide phenomenon that has showcased the talents on display to more than 10 million people across more than 40 countries and 5 continents.
Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas met in the early 1980s and formed a part of the praised street band Pookiesnackenburger. During this era, their most famous work was for a Heineken Lager Advert, known to many as the ‘bins’ commercial as well as their collaborations with other artists in the “Beat the Clyde” venture towards the end of the 1980s. This also saw them form a part of the Cliff Hanger Theatrical Group showing that even with different groups they showcased percussive skills that would later make them stars. In the case of “Beat the Clyde”, a pontoon was floated out onto the River Clyde in Glasgow, with a drum orchestra performing upon it.
But what is “Stomp”? It was shortly after their endeavours in Scotland that the worldwide success story was born. It is detailed as a percussive stage performance by some, with elements of dance, sound and comedy performance finding their way into the act. It is a unique and interesting production that sees the performers utilise a range of everyday items in achieving their musical sound – a technique that makes it truly stand out from other musicals around the world. As well as bins and bin lids, “Stomp” uses beer cans, matchboxes, wheel trims, keys, brushes, toilet plungers and steel-toed work boots.
It allows them to create a sound like no other and a display that is unmatched by any other production – one that attacks the senses and leaves an audience breathless. It is no wonder it is internationally renowned and a popular choice with audiences across the globe, with a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Choreography (1994) amongst its many honours.
Since the show’s inception in the UK, the show toured extensively in its early years, back when only 8 performers made up the production and travelled from the likes of London and Barcelona to Hong Kong and Sidney, before returning to London for a packed run at Sadler’s Wells.
Since those early days, the numbers of performers have increased tenfold, with 30 performers taking to the stage by the time the mid 1990s rolled around.
In 2002 a new production of “Stomp” opened at the Vaudeville Theatre, before transferring to its current home of the New Ambassador’s Theatre, where it continues to perform to this day. It is a monumentally popular production and as of writing, is taking bookings right on through to 2010.
Venue Information
Venue
West Street
London
WC2H 9ND
Travel
TRAVEL
Nearest Underground: Leicester Square (Northern/Piccadilly Lines) From station head up Long Acre (east) then head left up Monmouth Street at the major junction with Monmouth Street/St Martin's Lane. Turn Left onto Litchfield Street - West Street is almost immediately on the right.
Nearest Rail: Charing Cross Take Northern line to Leicester Square.
Parking: NCP Upper St Martin's Lane. Masterpark Cambridge Circus. Parking in central London can be difficult and expensive - please use public transport if possible.
