Theatre Company: Yegam Theatre
Artistic Director: Jun Sang Lee
Running Time: 90 mins
Sometimes in life you will see a show that when you leave, you cannot believe that it actually happened…Peacock Theatre’s latest Jump is definitely one of those shows. The show tells the incredible story of a typical but extraordinary Korean family. Each member of the family is a martial arts expert, possessing championship levels in Tae Kwon Do, Taekkyun and gymnastics, and while they all love to challenge each other, they get an ultimate challenge when two burglars break into their house in the middle of the night.
From the moment you enter the venue you enter the weird and wacky world of Jump. Sitting in the stalls is an elderly fella, shaking as he walks with a bent walking stick, giving out sweets to members of the audience that he scratch his back. But when he gets a piggy back from a tall gentlemen in the crowd, the show begins…but not as quick as you would think. While the adults struggled to find the laughter with the old man walking across the stage, the children in the audience were in fits in laughter. However do not be alarmed, while the show is aimed at the younger theatre goer the humour will please all the family. The show itself has a mixture of comedy elements, hints of the Charlie Chaplin-esque slapstick with a sprinkle of the modern sitcom, and while some things do blow completely over your head (like the fact that the bright cheeked giggly little brother type is in fact a drunk uncle) you start to get the broken pieces together and it does kind of make sense in the end.
But we should be honest here, we were not exactly paying attention to the story when you have got jaw dropping stunts going on. All of the cast have incredible stats behind them (Take Jeong-Yeon So for example, who plays the mother in the show. She is an expert in bodyguard martial arts and has won many contents including break-fall, gymnastics, breaking AND sparring) and they play off each others talents to make sure that none of the show is left with no weak parts. You can expect intense family challenges, a martial arts tango and a great family/burglar showdown. Peacock Theatre’s Director Of Programme Katy Arnander states in the programme not to try the stunts at home…we were exhausted just watching them!
While we did not see Jump when it was first at the Peacock Theatre in 2006, we can definitely see why it is back. It is an incredible experience from beginning to end, filled with flips, fighting and funny moments that will keep you eyes glued to the stage. It really has to be seen for you to believe it…and make sure you take the whole family with you.
[usr=5] Jump is playing at Peacock Theatre until November 15th.
