I can think of few ways to inspire wee ones to take up a musical instrument than to take them along to this singular concert from Släpstick. The 5 strong troupe of immensely talented clowns have mastered over 200 instruments between them, and seem determined to demonstrate this at every opportunity.
Last in Edinburgh in 2017, and winners of the ‘Spirit of the Fringe’ award, I didn’t catch them then: my loss. This multi-talented Dutch team know how to create a sense of event. Their ‘pre-match’ patter is a lot of fun, with musicians wandering the crowd with nonsense conversation, and invitations to try out the instruments. However, don’t be fooled by the mad hair, or the Sims-esque babble, this group have come to lay down a some tunes. They just won’t do it conventionally.
To say Släpstick, comprising Willem van Baarsen, Jon Bittman, Rogier Bosman, Sanne van Delft, Jaap Rovers, are an accomplished band, is a grave understatement. The definition of ‘Scherzo’ is, “a vigorous, light, or playful composition…”, a mission statement the group take very seriously.
From Tchaikovsky to Mozart, from Aria to Barbershop, they gaze upon the world of pre-synthesised music and see boundless opportunities for fun. It’s sophisticated stuff, redolent of the Marx Brothers, Jack Benny, and the Three Stooges, married to astonishing musical accomplishment. There’s no sound technician here to create the illusion of a violin being played on a lock of hair, or a ‘real’ singer hiding in the shadows to provide operatic quality vocals. This is great music, made live, in the middle of self-imposed comic calamity.
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Ever wondered how Charlie Chaplin’s ‘Smile’ would sound sung through a euphonium, to a stuffed dog? Ever wondered how it might affect a ballet if the swans started laying eggs? Wonder no more! Again, no matter their clownish anctics, the music is delivered with flare, passion, and style. Amazing is an understatement.
Mobile battalions of instruments sweep in from nowhere, the 5 musicians conjuring a symphony orchestra, replete with an ingenious ‘guest’ conductor. My personal favourite? A bust of Beethoven coming to life as part of a dead composer yodelling competition! It’s bonkers, and it’s brilliant!
Long standing fans will be glad to see their iconic ‘Tap battle’ return to bring the show to a roaring conclusion. One can only guess at the hours and hours of practice required to learn to tap-dance in ski’s! Throw in some ridiculously funny scat, and the group’s apparently endless energy, and standing ovations become more than likely. Släpstick: Schërzo is a fantastic family show offering great music & great fun. It’s inspirational, hilarious, and down right impressive.
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