By Jonathan Wilkes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Here’s hoping the doorway to Noiseland opens again.