A startlingly orange set is revealed at the same time a video of a couple collecting rubbish is carried off stage. The scenario consists of dustbin lid cymbals, upturned orange buckets and a wheelie-bin bass drum. Immediately, the hard-hatted duo gleafully bash the ‘drums,’ (watering can, dented saucepan, crushed beer can), and as Katie Stephenson leaps for the cymbals, Dave Smith smoothly control the beats.
At the most basic level, the show is an hour long showcase of percussion which uses reclaimed rubbish; but a good mix of audience participation, solos and collaborations keeps the audience’s enthusiasm ‘drummed up’ for the whole time. The percussionists are actually amazingly talented, and Katie Stephenson’s modest ‘playing the chair’ to fill in for a set-change is an electric time-defying performance.
One of the highlights has to be the Hoover/Hairdryer symphony, and the audience (who sometimes doubles as the orchestra) is something to behold. Beating the crap out of an old milk carton or bashed up cake tin is surprisingly cathartic! The kids will love this, but parents might have to make use of the complementary ear-plugs for the next couple of weeks.
Bang On! is strongly recommended but be warned, you will be strumming tables and pan banging for the rest of the day, so you might want to stay clear of sensitive-ears people… There’s no doubt about it though, Bang On! is bang on.
4/5
Rachel Bower
