Executive Producer: Kyung Hun Kim
Artistic Director: Jun Sang Lee
Running Time: 90 mins
Interval: No
JUMP is the internationally acclaimed show
about an unusual Korean family who are all kick ass at martial arts. It’s
received rave reviews from across the board as people are drawn in by it’s
slapstick comedy, fast paced martial arts, and jaw dropping acrobatics. It
certainly left me feeling very unfit by the end of it! But is it all it’s
cracked up to be? Has the hype gotten too big for the production itself? This
reviewer investigates …
JUMP was first performed in April 2003 in
Korea, and was an instant hit. Since then the show has been performed in over
30 different countries across the globe and has even had it’s own theatre built
in Seoul; affectionately named “JUMP Theatre”. And it’s easy to see why the
show has had so much success. The story is told incredibly well (despite the
fact that it’s a nonverbal production) and the use of the actors athletic
talents makes the 90 minute production very entertaining and captivating
throughout the entire performance.
But, in spite of the show’s energy and
full belly laughs, I was disappointed by the inclusion of some characters. I
felt that the use of the “Old Man” as a stage manager was pointless and left me
feeling bored during his parts of the play. Furthermore I felt that some of the
gags in the production were overused, which helped to ruin their initial charm.
This is probably what ruined the inclusion of the “Old Man” for me as his
performance relied heavily on overusing his initial gag of being a slow and
burdened elderly gentleman.
Nevertheless, the overall production was
a great success and well worthy of it’s prior reputation as a “cross between
Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Chan”. The speed and energy of the performance is
enough to keep the audience captivated in awe, whilst the humor adds that extra
element to keep you laughing at the same time. I was particularly impressed by
their ability to keep the audience preoccupied for 90 minutes straight (there
is no interval) when the majority of their critics were very young children. So
if you’re looking for something to entertain all the family – then look no
further!
JUMP is currently being performed at the Peacock
Theatre in High Holborn until 15th November 2014.
****
No comments:
Post a Comment