Stomp it!

The creators of Stomp, a unique art performance combining percussion, movement and visual comedy, say they are excited about their first visit to the UAE.

As demanding as a game of football for the cast, the show builds a relationship between dance and music. Highly choreographed, the show combines the movement of bodies, objects and sounds, creating an innovative experience for any audience.

Speaking exclusively to tabloid!, creator Steve McNicholas explained the show breaks the customary boundaries of performing arts by inviting the audience to participate and explore the rhythm and sound in everyday things.
McNicholas said he was "a good kind of nervous" about coming to the UAE and performing in new territory for the group.

Stomp has hit the headlines across the world and has now become a brand in its own right. What has been the backbone to producing that brand, and what does it stand for?

The core concept behind Stomp is that rhythm is a language: the show is a piece of theatre created by musicians, where eight idiosyncratic characters communicate only in rhythm and with physical humour.

Is the team looking forward to coming to the Middle East? And what will be the best thing about the first performance here?

We are looking forward to visiting. Dubai is a new territory for us and it's always a little daunting and a little exciting, to discover a new audience. The show really is a dialogue with the audience. There's a certain amount of interaction, especially towards the end of the show, so the performers really get to know their audience.

What are the attributes and skills required to be a dancer in Stomp and how long does it take to learn?

All we ask of those auditioned is that they come with a sense of rhythm, a sense of humour and a good pair of boots! We hold open auditions for anyone who wants to try out, and they take the form of workshops.

It takes a good six weeks to learn the basics of the show, but may take several months of performance before every aspect of the show is fully performed.

What levels of fitness are required and can anyone give it a go?

The show is as demanding as a game of football or rugby and has similar demands upon the body as a dance performance, but there's some heavy arm action involved too, and swinging from the set in harnesses. Anyone could have a go at a workshop, but the show itself is very demanding.

What size crew does the show require? And how long does the stage take to set up?

Our show crew is two lighting effects specialists, one sound engineer, one production manager, one company manager and one technical manager.

The loading crew is 12 stage, four sound and four lighting effects specialists. On average it takes 18 hours work time from start of load to performance and four hours to load out.

It's a touring set, and eagle-eyed members of the audience may be able to see where in the world it has been, because it tends to collect junk items from places it has visited, placed on the walls and grids.

Could this be the start of a regular visit to the UAE?

We certainly hope so.

Do the dancers require a specific diet?

They are an eclectic mix of individuals, each with their own requirements, fitness regimes, diets... but they all know that they have to have food that will give them energy for their vigorous performance.

Is the show ideal for people of all ages?

Yes, one of the things we're most proud of is that it has such broad appeal, young children, teenagers, adults and we have a few octogenarian fans too, who think the show reminds them of the heady days of vaudeville and old music hall. The fact there is no language, and a lot of physical humour is a big help.

Street entertainment

Stomp is the result of a 10-year collaboration between its creators Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, Stomp started off as street entertainment on the streets of a city.

Since then, tickets for Stomp have sold out worldwide and the show is still running strong, receiving a number of awards including the Drama Desk award for Most Unique Theatre Experience and Best Choreography. Stomp has also been featured in a number of commercials, including Coca-Cola, Target stores in the US, Toyota in Japan, and Seat.

The award-winning international hit show will be performed live for the first time in the Middle East at the Madinat Jumeirah Arena from October 18-25.

The event: Want to see Stomp?

The show for the first time in the Middle East at Madinat Jumeirah Arena from October 18-25.

Get involved

Tickets, priced Dh210 for regular, Dh325 for balcony, Dh425 for privilege and Dh750 for VIP lounge, are available at all Virgin Megastores and at www.boxofficeme.com.
For more information on Stomp, please visit www.stomponline.com