REVIEW: Släpstick - HOME, Manchester

Släpstick (with an extraneous umlaut!) is not only the name of the show, but gives the audience a very good idea of what to expect from the content.

Five men, one stage, and more instruments than you can shake a stick at! This is farce in the age old tradition of the likes of Laurel and Hardy, Chaplin et al where everything that can go wrong invariably does including the large rear flat falling down at the end - if you've seen, 'The Play That Goes Wrong' you'll know what happens. But that isn't all that this show is. It is slick, clever, intelligent, and heartwarming. It is essentially a series of vignettes which sees one or more of these performers pay homage to slapstick actors of the past by either hilariously recreating their routines or by presenting a more modern take on famous film scenes. There is also a good deal of more modern references in the show too, with the Barbershop chorus appearing at different intervals lessening in number each time, singing transliterations of famous songs in German. Watch out for the very Python-esque boxing match too!

They work the audience exceptionally well, starting the show with them interacting through the auditorium. They are mostly on stage and playing with the audience during the interval and make them feel very much an integral and necessary part of the show throughout. There is never an us/them scenario.

What makes these performers stand out from the crowd however is their absolute multi-talented skill. Not only are they able to play any instrument that is thrown their way, but they are fine singers, actors and their physicality knows no bounds!

It's completely family friendly, in fact the young boy in front of me was laughing, shouting and whooping away all the way through. Hilarious, precarious, infectious and utterly delightful. A throw-back to a forgotten era with  a very modern twist which absolutely needs to be seen to be appreciated.

If Christmas shows aren't your thing, but you crave for a good belly laugh or two; this show is most definitely for you. If you are a fan of the old silent comedy films or enjoy more modern slapstick derivative comedians, then this show is most definitely for you. If you are a musician of any instrument and like comedy, then this show is most definitely for you. In fact, unless your name is Ebenezer Scrooge, just buy a ticket for this show... you won't be disappointed!

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 14/12/18

photo credit - Jaap Reedijk