Director: Ikuo Fujitaka
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Boundless Energy & Joy“
5 / 5
~This review was originally written for The Reviews Hub ~
Drum Tao have perfected their craft in Taiko drumming over the course of 31 years, with Peacock Theatre presenting their debut performance in London. It is more than just a show; it is the blueprint for a production filled with boundless energy, joy, wonder and skill.
Running at two hours long, the athleticism of Drum Tao is incredibly impressive, the energetic troupe ensuring that there is never a dull moment on stage. The merging of acrobatic choreography and drumbeats work fantastically, mesmerising the audience with their faultless performance. Each of the routines is magnificently well-rehearsed, always completely synchronised and creating stunning visuals as the group elevates every aspect of the performance.
Although there are occasional moments where a segment is performed by only a few members of the group, the majority of the show features all of them on stage at the same time – working individually on their own instrument, while collaborating with each other to create a full-scale production. At one point, they line up in formation and perform a fantastic section where they play on each other’s drums in quick succession, never missing a beat or falling out of rhythm, despite the speed and accuracy required to pull off the slick routine.
Japanese culture and tradition are prevalent throughout the whole show. Alongside the Wadaiko drums, there are also Shinobue flutes, Koto harps and Syamisen guitars incorporated into various parts of the performance, all played with the same precision and skill. The juxtaposition between the ethereal, gentleness of the flute, alongside the powerful, entrancing drumbeats creates a hypnotic and beautiful melody.
In comparison, the guitars are performed with the same mannerisms and gusto as a rock concert, with the unexpected slight genre shift exciting and entertaining. The set is sparse, allowing for the performers to move around with ease, adding and removing drums frequently throughout. Their costumes are simplistic, yet fluid, the eye-catching metallic silver a nice detail on the otherwise dark, semi-traditional clothing.
More than anything else, the most enjoyable part of the production, is just how clear it is that every single performer on stage is wholeheartedly committed and having as much fun on stage as the audience are having watching them. Their playful interactions with the audience as they try to be the ‘best performer’ or encourage them to clap along in time with their routine, results in their beaming faces, exuding a clear passion and sense of achievement as they execute another flawless routine. There is one section where they have a ‘drum off’ with each other, attempting to be the fastest and best, comedically dismissing the other side’s talents and engaging with the audience to try and ‘drum up’ more favour for themselves.
It is clear why Drum Tao are masters of their craft because this is a show unlike no other – captivating, exciting and powerful, it is a must-see while they are in London.
Runs until 15 March 2025
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