Peacock Theatre, London
October 25, 2018
Jessica Wilson
It’s high voltage tap dance, literally! And rugged, raw talent, literally! Dein Perry’s sensational Tap Dogs has returned to the Peacock Theatre with its intricate rhythms and complex tap moves, each performed against different pieces of a movable set incorporating steel, wood and water. No prizes for guessing that there is plenty of attempted splashing of the audience.
The six Dogs work their way through the various rhythms and stagings of each number, continually transforming the construction site-like set as they do so. the set. Alongside the more than pleasing choreography, there’s added live music from two drummers up high, creating the ultimate in energy-fuelled shows.
The cast of Nathan Beech, Nathaniel Hancock, Reid Perry, Richie Miller, Sam Marks, Anthony Russo and Chase Roseillo have over 50 years’ experience dancing as part of Tap Dogs, and the stunts they manage to pull off are top level. Of particular note is a tap and basketball mash up, which adds another layer to the performance and truly tests their coordination skills. The tappers bounced away whilst performing their signature rhythms, staying completely in sync with each other as they performed basketball tricks.
Part theatre, part rock concert and part construction site, the show is much more than just tricks and stunts. ‘Fast footwork’ doesn’t even start to describe what happens on stage.It’s hard to believe the speed at which they move and the rhythms achieved. With feet mic’ed up to pick up every beat and intonation, you certainly hear them too. Most impressive is the dancers’ timing, however. Perhaps half of the show, in many ways the most captivating half, is without music.
The loose construction narrative running through the evening allows the Dogs to develop their characterisation, each bringing something of themselves to their performance.
Tap Dogs: loud, hugely impressive and full of family fun.
Dein Perry’s Tap Dogs is at the Peacock Theatre, London to November 11. Visit www.sadlerswells.com for details and tickets.