Many Brit’s might not have heard of Cyberjam or Blast…the people behind it. Many may know of them through their 20 minute show “The Power Of Blast,” which played to delighted audiences at Walt Disney World, or a few may have seen Blast a few years ago…those who haven’t sent them before better sort it out and get down to Cyberjam, as it’s one hell of a show.

I was sleepy on entering the theatre, and the mesmerising circle, triangle and square neon sign was transfixing my already heavy and jet-lagged eyes, I started to wonder if I’d actually be able to stay awake for the show…then it started. A very slow start gently moves you into the show, then suddenly about three minutes into the opening number, it comes alive. WOW, you sit, slowly starting to smile ear to ear and the wondrous sounds wash over you and the spectacle of Cyberjam takes over….from there on the wonder, energy and power fails to cease.

Artistically Cyberjam is interesting, billed as a new performance genera for the 21^st century. “The goal was to create a show that would be a living, breathing, pulsating representation of a cyber musical experience.” To do this they have recruited the most insightful and multi-talented musicians and dancers. Now a cyber musical…? Cyberjam isn’t one, it’s better! I don’t quite think they have pulled off the original concept, but it doesn’t matter because Cyberjam works as a show, the ideas and thoughts behind it play beautifully in the audience’s mind, and the language of music and dance is all you need…along with a few well chosen words to get the giggles going! The show uses a 35 strong cast of percussionists, dancers and brass players to bring a living, breathing entity to stage. With strong set numbers and a delightful mix of music choices Cyberjam is part Cirque Du Soleil, part Ballet, part Marching Band, part Concert, but fully formed.

If they used this cast for a concert, to just come on stage and play then Cyberjam would be great, but the very fact that they do so much more makes Cyberjam so much more. While playing throughout, very difficult stuff I might add, the cast jump, dance, hip-hop, bounce, trampoline, throw, catch, and climb their way through the numbers. It looks so effortless you forget they are playing, it’s highly polished and visually exciting throughout, not to mention tiring to watch. The amount of energy which oozes off the stage could power London through any New York style blackout. The performances so clean, so smooth and so perfect you can’t help but think about the months that must have been spent in rehearsal, many shows aren’t this slick after a year’s run, but on the opening night, well that’s unbelievable.

There really isn’t a bad word to say about this show…and I’ve tried to nitpick…I just can’t. It is a fun non-stop blast of emotion, power and musical excellence. The performers aren’t everything, oh no no no. Couple the most talented people in the world with a technologically exciting set, a curious select of futuristic clothing and out of this world lighting design, well then you make a hit into a smash hit! When you put James Mason, Jonathan Vanderkolff, George Pinney (the directors, choreographers and composers) together with Hugh Vanstones lights and Chris deWilde’s sets, then you get something amazing. The lighting is utterly astounding, lasers, moving lights, lights on the costume and neon all mix together to form another world on stage, making each finely tuned dance move even more outstanding and the show a joy and a beauty to watch.

Notable numbers include the monkey-rific second act drum and didgeridoo marathon, the happy sounding and happy inducing version of Good Vibrations. The wonderfully moving version of Bohemian Rhapsody brings the hairs up on the back of your neck, you may have heard the song many times, but you’ve never heard it correctly until you hear Cyberjam do it. Then put it together with a wonderful idea, staging it using torches and small lights and you get a piece of music which brought the audience to a standing ovation, mid show. Oh that wasn’t the only standing ovation, oh no don’t be stupid…there were no less than 4 thoroughly deserved moments where the audience leapt to their feet with excitement, outraged by the brilliance. Drum3, in the first act is a showstopper, visually and musically dazzling.

The cast, as already mentioned are unrivalled in their brilliance and with a lovely touch they all greet and thank you on your way out, friendly and a personal touch which allow you to chat and send your thanks to them.

Cyberjam is a theatrical thrill, an amazing adventure of sound and lights. London’s hottest and most powerful show, may it run and run.

London has a new must see show, and Cyberjam is it.

The Tick List:

Set

Lighting

Costume

Cast

Music

Overall

Box Office Details

Performance Times:

Monday-Thursday, Saturday at 8pm

 Friday at 5.30pm & 8.45pm

Saturday matinees: 3pm

Prices:

Monday-Friday evenings & Saturday matinees:

£16.00-£37.50

Friday matinees

Running Time: 

2 Hours 10 Mins, including an interval.

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