Stage: Rhythms from rubbish

Trash!
direction Yllana • music Toompak
with Gorka González, Fran Mark, Bruno Alves, Harold Gazeau
artistic direction David Ottone, Jony Elías, Gorka González
choreography María Rayo
set and costumes Tatiana de Sarabia
sound Nacho Ramírez • lighting Lola Barroso
Peacock Theatre, London • 18.Feb-1.Mar.25 ★★★★

From Spain, theatre company Yllana and percussion artists Toompack combine forces for this explosion of rhythm and rubbish. As with Stomp or Tapdogs, this show is a series of numbers performed using unconventional methods, in this case seemingly random items in a recycling centre where four outrageously talented men create an explosion of music and comedy. It's a hugely entertaining show, largely because the buoyantly energetic performers are having so much fun that the atmosphere becomes electric.

We meet these guys when they're in giant black bin liners, tapping out beats in the plastic before emerging to continue drumming on barrels. Because it's so enjoyable, it's easy to underestimate the talent we are witnessing, as they play with complex synchronicity and syncopation to craft layered textures of sound with whatever it is they have to hand. This includes tyres, toolboxes, umbrellas, basketballs, gas canisters and a vast number of plastic bottles. Of course, all of this is impeccably planned out and choreographed, but there's still a wonderful sense of chaos about it, most notably in the performers' comical interaction.

Along the way, each one gets a chance to stamp his personality on the proceedings, with witty gags, hilariously rebellious moments and bursts of song. They also speak to each other and the audience in Minions-style gibberish, which makes all four of them almost ridiculously endearing. This draws us in even further than the toe-tapping range of musical numbers, most of which feature genuinely jaw-dropping moments in which these guys demonstrate their expertise. And each one has serious skills.

It's impossible to pick a favourite moment, as the impressive musicality and goofy jokes keep the adults in the audience gripped and the kids giggling. With his rumbling voice and lightning-fast hands, Gorka González is clearly the leader, while Bruno Alves steals the show with cheeky bursts of anarchy and soaring musical riffs. Harold Gazeau has more energy than he can contain. And Frank Mark's marimba-style piece using bottles and a shopping trolly is a stunner. Then after some amusing audience participation and several call-and-response sequences, a flurry of sparks creates a triumphant climax.

For details, SADLER'S WELLS >

photos by Illana and Toompack: Trash! • 19.Feb.25