What do you get when you combine six insanely talented singers with a world class beatboxer? Gobsmacked! This show marks the future of a capella and opens it up to a whole new audience.Spotlights appear throughout the auditorium, lighting up the other performers like gladiators about to enter the arena. Armed with attitude and blazing harmonies, the singers move down to the main stage and size up their competition. It is clear that the next hour will be one heck of a ride.
This show takes your preconceptions of the voice’s abilities and throws them out of the metaphorical window - more than likely accompanied by Ball Zee’s impressively realistic sound effects. There is a loose narrative linking the songs and characters but this takes a backseat to the vocal gymnastics and slick harmonies, arranged by wickedly talented Jack Blume.
The singers are simply brilliant. Their voices blend beautifully and there is an effortless transition between modern songs and classics, often with a wonderful narrative - Titanium on the London underground is a particular highlight - or clever link, like the entertaining texting argument. They cover a vast array of genres and at times add a loop pedal which allows the team to show off their vocal prowess to maximum effect. It is just ridiculously cool.
But what is an a-capella performance without a bit of cheese? Some casual choreography peppered with toothpaste-commercial-smiles does give the show that Glee-esque feel that we all know and love. Admittedly there are a few love stories that teeter on the border of becoming too cheesy. However, creator and executive producer Nic Doodson, mastermind behind The Magnets, calls upon his extensive experience in the a capella world. Together with director Alexandra Spencer-Jones and an incredible creative team, they have created a spectacle that truly has something for everyone.
Throughout the show each performer breaks from the harmonising ranks to show off their abilities and personality with a solo. With so many big characters onstage some seem to get a little lost but what unites them all is their insane talent and relentless energy.
It is easy to forget that the entire show is effortlessly underscored by Ball Zee. His solo reminds you why he is a champion in his field, with stage presence to match his bonkers beatboxing skills. He arranges and tweaks his ‘sound system’, breaking down the sounds and building them back up to raucous applause. Who knew a water drop and a car horn could sound so awesome?
Gobsmacked! combines comedy, storytelling and high energy performance with outstanding vocal talent. The finale mash up will blow your mind. Not to be missed.
Founded in 2011 by Lucy Kerbel TONIC THEATRE works towards achieving greater gender equality in the theatre industry. As an affiliate company at The National Theatre Studio the people behind TONIC THEATRE work with different theatre companies, projects and schemes to ensure that there is an equal amount of opportunities, jobs and roles for women. TONIC CELEBRATES is a new initiative of the company and the first event took place on the 22nd of June at The Ambassador Theatre.