The 35-year-old Brit is a performer for dance troupe STOMP, who are performing this week at Emirates Palace as part of SummerFest.
How did STOMP start up?
It was created in 1991 by two guys by the names of Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. They performed in a band called Pookiesnackenburger. One of the ‘songs’ they performed was a percussion piece using dustbins and trash can lids. After being a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe festival that year STOMP was born. Since then the show has grown and grown and has successfully toured around the world. It has also been showing in New York for almost 20 years and London for 13.
Can you guys literally find a sound in anything?
Yes, we can. Anyone can. What we do is use those sounds to make music. We’re always open to new sounds and instruments. All it takes is for one of us to be out shopping and maybe tap on the trolley or hear something in the street and it could end up in the show.
Who writes the material?
Luke and Steve. But we all work together in the process of transferring what’s written to what actually ends up being performed. As for the choreography we don’t like to keep it too strict. A lot of the routines are visually exciting and a certain amount of choreography is required. Each company has a rehearsal director who works with the cast on this.
What’s the most unusual ‘instrument’ you guys use?
I guess that everything we use is unusual as an ‘instrument’. We have a routine in which we are strapped into giant tractor tyre inner tubes. They look like huge rubber tutus. They certainly appear unusual but they make a great sound when you whack them.
Do you guys have a fitness regime you have to follow?
Some guys do, some guys don’t. Doing the show in itself is kind of a fitness regime. It’s physically demanding but, in my opinion, much more fun than going to the gym.
Is there any instrument you haven’t been able to incorporate into the show?
I don’t think so. Anything that we’ve liked the sound of has, at some point, made it’s way into the show.
Of all the routines, which is the most difficult?
The part of the bins routine called ‘Walkers’. This is the point when we have 15kg oil barrels strapped to each foot. But they sound fantastic when you jump in them.
How much rehearsal time goes into a show?
We rehearse before each show for at least one hour. The cast members can change from show to show and because some of the routines can be dangerous and involve throwing things around it’s good for us to get a feel for that particular show’s cast. We also have regular practises to keep the show at a high standard.
What kind of show can the Abu Dhabi audience expect from you?
They can expect 100 minutes of rhythmic, loud, energetic, funny, exciting, visually stimulating and audience participating entertainment.
STOMP perform in Abu Dhabi from June 27-29. www.thinkflash.ae/events/stomp.
