By Jonathan Wilkes

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Noise Ensemble’s epic musical DrumChasers, replacing vocals with percussion, is an explosive display of sound and light. Eleven virtuosic performers with endless energy and talent offered a mesmerising experience and a beautiful story.

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Caretaker at a concert hall, Mr Bennett (Jack Warner), witnesses a doorway opening to a dystopian world where people play percussion instruments, inlcuding drums, xylophones and triangles, as communication. And Noiseland’s inhabitants play extremely well, never missing a beat.

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A Dr Seuss-esque narration by Stephen Fry tells us they are caught in an age-old feud. War is prevented only by the mystical powers of the Noise Wrangler and her purple lightsabres. A blossoming Romeo and Juliet romance and a discovery by Mr Bennett however could lead to peace.

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The truly spectacular DrumChasers leaves one in awe of how every element worked in exquisite harmony. It perfectly balanced gravitas and self-deprecation so the audience (which should have been bigger) never doubted Noise Ensemble’s soulful tale.

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The melodious music, accompanied by a spellbinding orchestral and electric score, was extraordinary: powerful, stentorian drumming quickly followed by more melodious, playful flourishes on xylophones and glockenspiels.

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It had action, romance, poignancy and comedy – a pitch-black performance with glow-in-the-dark levitating drums being especially funny. The industrial set and apocalyptic costumes, and a literally breath-taking lighting design, really enhanced the production.

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Special mention must go to Georgina King for the exhilarating choreography and to composer, director and creator Ethan Lewis Maltby.

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His resplendent production is a profoundly affecting and memorable theatrical experience.

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Here’s hoping the doorway to Noiseland opens again.