Mid Hants Observer – Noise Ensemble - June 1st, The Nuffield, Southampton

An extract from the article/review “Tub thumping”

It was with some trepidation that I approached Noise Ensemble, billed as an “international percussion sensation”… Any misgivings I may have had were instantly extinguished when a voice announced that the following performance would contain “graphic beatings and scenes of a percussive nature.” A statement of intent that hinted that Noise Ensemble didn’t take itself too seriously. From this point on we were treated to a riotous evening of non stop entertainment.

Noise Ensemble is a new and unique twist on musical theatre, with Ethan Lewis Maltby’s score brought vividly to life by a troupe of ten young, beautiful and obscenely talented percussionists. My notes from the night are sketchy at best, a reflection of how much I was enjoying the show. A couple of legible entries mention rock band with xylophones (certainly no bad thing in my book ), the tongue in cheek cable TV-style interludes, and a real ‘vaudevillian feel’ (don’t ask how I wrote that in the dark), with comic interludes reminiscent of traditional circus clowns.

Musically speaking, there were moments of jaw-dropping beauty, particularly the interplay between marimbas, xylophones and the rest of the percussive arsenal. Noise Ensemble covers a lot of ground. Late in the set we were treated to some 70s style wah-wah guitar and choreography that appeared to pay homage to West Side Story, unsurprising elements when you consider the composer’s background in film scores.

Noise Ensemble is certainly unique, relentlessly entertaining and shot through with plenty of humour, delivered by an impossibly good looking cast. It’s an energetic show that I would have no hesitation in recommending to audiences of all ages. Another demonstration of The Nuffield’s commitment to original and spectacular productions. On top of that I’ve had to reappraise my relationship with drums and drumming. For now at least.
