House Of Flying Parents - Jump UK Tour Review
By: Glenn Meads Apr. 20, 2007
If you love the daring dance-like fight scenes in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and the recent film, Curse Of The Golden Flower- the show Jump is for you. What makes this quite special is the knockabout humour which runs through the piece like a vein.
Resembling a sit com meets "Roadrunner," this knockabout comedy has more energy than Riverdance and Tap Dogs put together. Mi-Ran Park's homely set gives you the impression that this is an ordinary family. But the opening is put together like a slickly edited film and gives you a taste of what is to come. This family fights literally, to keep it together. They all have special skills and you long for them to get burgled so that the villains can get more than they bargained for.
That's exactly what happens and the result is reminiscent of a silent movie crossed with The Matrix. The lovingly created spoofs make you smile as the attention to detail is spot on. Any fans of Bruce Lee's films from the 1970's will be in their element as there are affectionate nods and winks to his films also.
In terms of narrative, the story really acts as a showcase for the excellent cast to dazzle you with their knack for martial arts, dance and slapstick comedy. But the show is so original and energetic- you will hardly notice that there is nothing to it.
Using sound effects and 'slo mo' style lighting effects is ingenious as this allows every movie cliché to be used to dazzling effect. The small but appreciative audience on the night I attended did not stop laughing to take a breath. The humour is simple but highly contagious. This truly is a comedy for the whole family as children will find the 'Tom and Jerry' style antics side-splitting, whilst adults will get the movie references immediately.
One superb scene features Mom and Dad kicking the hell out of each other, but when another member of the family arrives- seamlessly dancing across the living room floor in a covert fashion. Another features two intruders taking refuge behind the couch as you the audience wait for the sparks to fly, when they are discovered by the 'Kill Bill' style family.
The Yegam Theatre Company are like a group of real life super heroes as they literally fly across the stage with their breath-taking moves. Walking on walls, somersaulting across the living room, constantly aware of how to entertain an audience- they leave you open mouthed one minute and laughing like hyenas the next.
The narrative does feel somewhat stretched at times as the concept maybe fast but it's also too loose. But the audience participation elements keep the momentum going as the interaction between this skilled 'family' and awkward Joe Public are hilarious.
This amusing show features romance, comedy, dance, fight scenes, gymnastics and so much more. This family fights for the right for you to party in your seats, and you will happily oblige. So much theatre takes itself seriously, therefore this silly but loveable spectacle is really endearing. So much so that this concept warrants a sequel. I would love to see a follow up; Meet The Little Jumpers, anyone?
(Reviewed at the Lowry, Salford,Jump: Until Sat 21 April, at the Lowry, Salford. To book click here: www.thelowry.com
Tour continues to Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff April 24th to 28th
Comments
Videos