Tuesday, November 04, 2014

Jump Review

Tuesday, November 04, 2014



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:

TONGUE LOOSE..
Blog design by labinastudio.