The junk and clatter of modern life are evolved into a modern concert that's Stomp.

Last year their show at Fairfield Concert Hall stunned me, made me laugh and had me roaring for more.

The music was felt through the seats and reached into the soul to thrill the audience with a mix of percussion, dance and comedy that echoed the rhythm of life today.

Music is made out brooms sweeping, lids banging, bags rustling, even Zippo lighters!

All this is choreographed into a package of great entertainment.

Drumming is the key, but Stomp is not just a bunch of drummers the cast leap, tap dance, fight' and are bubbling with emotion.

Sometimes very aggressive, often humorous, always visual, this show builds into a great crescendo.

The concerto shakes the Concert Hall floor as the players swing out on ropes to crash a tune out against a backdrop of floor to ceiling rubbish'.

Stomp also finds beauty in the mundane, and to say they play everything including the kitchen sink is no exaggeration.

It's an event that has to be seen to be believed.

As I left that performance, people were jangling their car keys, drumming out rhythms on the hand rails, tap dancing down the stairs, trailing programmes along the railings - all making music!

I overheard one man comment: "Why did I waste money on piano lessons?"

Stomp runs at Fairfield from December 18 - 23, at 8pm. Matinees at 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are from £10 to £22.50.Call the box office on 020 8688 9291.

December 13, 2001 16:00