Theatre: Pied Piper With an Excellent Hip-Hop Make Over

January 13, 2024
2 mins read

Review: Pied Piper at London’s  Theatre Royal Stratford East

 

By Jo Peart

 

How do you make a 19th Century poem relevant to an internet-savvy hard to impress young audience of today?  The fusion of hip-hop street dancing and a 19th century poem is a brave and adventurous task

 

Choreographer and lead performer Kenrick ‘H20’ Sandy obviously doesn’t balk at a challenge.  Kenrick, along with Blue Boy Entertainment has undertaken to turn this age old classic into a modern piece of accessible street dance theatre.

 

Pied Piper at Stratford East is a hip hop street dance interpretation of Robert Browning (1888), Pied Piper of Hamlin. The streets are in disarray and plagued with rats represented in this piece as ‘hooded’ villains.

 

The opening scenes are nothing short of electrifying as ‘hoodies’ climb on to the stage in a villainous intimidating fashion. The dancers represent a sinister bunch in an exciting and bold mixture of contemporary street dance moves.

 

As the story goes; the governors who are represented with huge white heads and long coats are at a lost and seek the assistance of the Pied Piper (Kenrick) to rid the street of the vermin for a price.  When they fail to pay up, the Pied Piper seeks his revenge by entrancing the youth. The governors run away in disgrace leaving the Pied Piper to rule.

 

     

    Performers on stage at The Royal Theatre Stratford East, London

 

What holds this piece up against similar offerings of street dance theatre is that the storyline is clear, concise and strong throughout the piece. The choreography and interpenetration of those dancers is of such a high standard that half way through Act 4, a woman sitting beside me stated: “I’ve just noticed there is no speaking in this!”

 

The production is made up of 37 performers. The energy and commitment of  the actors are so evident that it is virtually impossible to single out an individual performer. They perform as a group; a unified body that communicates to its audience with one unified voice.

 

This could have become a repetitive showcase but the creativeness and comical timing of the performers brought drama to a dance production making it clear that this was a street dancing theatre production.

 

There is no question that Stratford East has its finger firmly on the pulse of the local community and modern youth culture.  The euphoric response from the audience clearly showed that not only was this piece a real crowd pleaser but the audience felt as though they could relate to the dancers. This is an edgy, hard piece of dance that is sure to open to door to a ‘hip hop dance revolution’.

 

    

     

  The production  received generous support from Grange Park Opera

 

Who is this piece for? The Pied Piper is for anyone age 10+ who enjoys the 21 century MTV culture, likes loud music, dance and is looking for an accessible piece of theatre that the whole family can enjoy.

 

If you are looking for a new message about the positive things our youth are up to today head to Stratford East. This is a sure fire hit! In the words of one of the young audience members the dancers were ‘clean’ (apparently that is great!).

 

Jo Peart is The New Black Magazine’s theatre expert.

 

Pied Piper is presented by Boy Blue Entertainment. On for just 13 very special performances over 11 nights Times: Saturday 30 September – Saturday 14 October 2006, 7.30pm  (except 14th October – see below) Matinee: 5pm, Saturday 14 October 2006 (Evening show on 14 October 2006 at 8.30pm).

 

Prices: £10 & £16. Concessions are available for schools and children.

Please e-mail comments to comments@thenewblackmagazine.com

170 Comments

  1. Great ?V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..

  2. Have you ever considered publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.

  3. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  4. We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful to you.

  5. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

  6. The following time I learn a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to learn, but I actually thought youd have one thing attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you could fix when you werent too busy on the lookout for attention.

  7. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?

  8. I have learn a few just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you put to make this type of excellent informative site.

  9. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  10. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  11. Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you?¦ve on this web site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and simply couldn’t come across. What a great website.

  12. I have been surfing online more than three hours nowadays, yet I by no means found any fascinating article like yours. It is beautiful value sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the internet will likely be much more helpful than ever before. “A winner never whines.” by Paul Brown.

  13. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  14. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.

  15. I’ve read some excellent stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you put to create one of these magnificent informative site.

  16. I am now not sure where you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or figuring out more. Thanks for excellent info I used to be in search of this information for my mission.

  17. Hiya, I am really glad I have found this info. Nowadays bloggers publish just about gossips and net and this is actually frustrating. A good web site with interesting content, this is what I need. Thank you for keeping this web site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.

  18. You actually make it seem really easy together with your presentation but I in finding this matter to be really one thing that I think I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complex and extremely huge for me. I’m looking ahead on your next put up, I will attempt to get the hang of it!

  19. I just couldn’t leave your site before suggesting that I really loved the usual information a person provide to your guests? Is going to be back regularly to check up on new posts

  20. I discovered your blog site on google and verify a number of of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the superb operate. I simply extra up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Searching for forward to studying extra from you later on!…

  21. naturally like your web site but you need to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very troublesome to tell the truth however I will certainly come again again.

  22. Good site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!

  23. certainly like your website but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to inform the truth on the other hand I?¦ll definitely come again again.

  24. Hi there, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam comments? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated.

  25. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info much. I was looking for this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  26. Just wish to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is just excellent and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  27. Hello there I am so glad I found your weblog, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a marvelous post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the superb job.

  28. I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be what precisely I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs? I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome web log!

  29. Nice blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  30. Hiya! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when browsing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share. Cheers!

  31. Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a weblog website? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I have been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided brilliant clear idea

  32. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog site is in the very same niche as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Many thanks!

  33. Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  34. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

  35. I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

  36. That is the correct weblog for anyone who needs to search out out about this topic. You understand so much its nearly hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You undoubtedly put a brand new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, simply great!

  37. Magnificent goods from you, man. I have be mindful your stuff prior to and you’re just extremely fantastic. I really like what you have obtained right here, really like what you’re saying and the best way through which you assert it. You make it entertaining and you continue to care for to stay it smart. I can’t wait to learn much more from you. That is really a great site.

  38. Thank you, I have just been looking for information about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered so far. But, what about the bottom line? Are you sure about the source?

  39. Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.

  40. I wanted to draft you the little remark in order to thank you so much again over the stunning strategies you have featured on this website. This has been unbelievably generous of people like you in giving unhampered precisely what many of us would have offered for an e book to make some cash for their own end, particularly considering that you could have done it if you ever decided. The ideas as well served to provide a fantastic way to be certain that the rest have the same eagerness really like my very own to find out more and more in respect of this problem. I am sure there are lots of more enjoyable moments in the future for individuals that look over your blog post.

  41. Great blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely confused .. Any recommendations? Thanks a lot!

  42. We’re a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with helpful information to paintings on. You have done an impressive process and our whole community will probably be grateful to you.

  43. Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  44. Wow! This could be one particular of the most helpful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Magnificent. I am also a specialist in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.

  45. Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for! “Water is the most neglected nutrient in your diet but one of the most vital.” by Kelly Barton.

  46. Some truly wonderful information, Sword lily I discovered this. “It’s not what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not.” by Denis Watley.

  47. I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  48. Thank you, I have recently been looking for info about this subject for ages and yours is the greatest I have discovered till now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?

  49. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this excellent blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  50. Definitely imagine that which you stated. Your favourite reason appeared to be at the internet the simplest factor to understand of. I say to you, I certainly get irked at the same time as other people think about worries that they plainly don’t recognise about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out the entire thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  51. whoah this blog is magnificent i love reading your articles. Keep up the great work! You know, lots of people are looking around for this info, you could aid them greatly.

  52. An attention-grabbing discussion is price comment. I feel that you need to write more on this matter, it may not be a taboo subject but generally persons are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  53. An fascinating dialogue is worth comment. I think that it is best to write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo topic however generally persons are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  54. Attractive part of content. I simply stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually loved account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds or even I fulfillment you access consistently fast.

  55. After study just a few of the weblog posts in your website now, and I actually like your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website listing and will likely be checking again soon. Pls try my website online as well and let me know what you think.

  56. That is the proper weblog for anyone who desires to find out about this topic. You understand a lot its nearly hard to argue with you (not that I really would need…HaHa). You positively put a brand new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, simply nice!

  57. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something like this before. So good to search out any individual with some authentic thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this website is something that is wanted on the internet, someone with somewhat originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!

  58. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  59. I have not checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  60. I am usually to running a blog and i actually appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and preserve checking for brand new information.

  61. I am extremely impressed along with your writing talents as neatly as with the format for your blog. Is that this a paid subject matter or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent high quality writing, it is rare to peer a great blog like this one today..

  62. Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many of us have developed some nice procedures and we are looking to swap strategies with others, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.

  63. Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the web the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  64. Hi my loved one! I want to say that this article is awesome, nice written and come with almost all important infos. I would like to look extra posts like this .

  65. An attention-grabbing dialogue is worth comment. I believe that you should write extra on this subject, it might not be a taboo topic however generally individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  66. Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Terrific blog and fantastic design.

  67. Very interesting points you have noted, thanks for putting up. “What is harder than rock, or softer than water Yet soft water hollows out hard rock. Persevere.” by Ovid.

  68. A person essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish incredible. Fantastic job!

  69. Hello! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 3gs! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!

  70. Howdy this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

What is English Honour?

Next Story

Why Idlewild the Movie Rocks

Latest from Blog