Släpstick: Schërzo – Wilton’s Music Hall, Tower Hill

Director: Stanley Burleson & Karel de Rooij

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

“Classical Clowning”

4 / 5

Beethoven, Dr Dre, Tchaikovsky and Rick Astley are very rarely performed in the same production, but somehow, Netherlands based musical maestros Släpstick have incorporated all of the above into their brilliantly enjoyable show Schërzo.

Willem van Baarsen, Rogier Bosman, Jaap Rovers, Sanne van Delft, Jon Bittman are the fabulous five that make up Släpstick. Their musical talent is outstanding, with each of them playing a variety of instruments throughout the evening – from banjo to clarinet, violin to didgeridoo, it is an incredible array of well-rehearsed talent. But, as this isn’t a classic, classical show – often these instruments are switched out in quick succession, without looking, or with multiple being played at the same time by the same person. It’s this niche skillset that the group have that make it a marvel to watch.

Each of the musical pieces, are accompanied by humorous clown-esque slapstick in a Chaplin meets Chopin style collaboration. It’s often funny, but relatively predictable – inevitable violin bops on the head, cartoon-like chases and missing instruments, making it enjoyable for younger audiences also. The predictability doesn’t detract from the comedy, though there are occasionally some slightly too extended pauses between each routine, which could be benefitted from being tightened up to help the shows pace flow better.

One stand-out moment is when they are performing a unique lullaby that incorporates an impressive multitude of instruments, and has the audience roaring with laughter. Other enjoyable segments are their attempt to hit a world record by completing the fastest performed Flight of the Bumblebee, an attempt to cram 20+ songs into 1 minute and their synchronised collaboration that is just absolutely mesmerising. There is enough variety that everyone will find at least one thing to enjoy – even if classical music or slapstick isn’t your go to!

This comedic group of talented performers have created (Moz)art out of their classical-inspired clowning. If you haven’t seen it – it’s one to add to your Liszt, and if you’ve been before, well it’s worth coming Bach to see it again.

Runs until 12^th October 2024