Review of Släpstick’s ‘Scherzö’: “Hitting the right note”

The Dutch troupe settles in the London scene with their latest show, currently going on an international tour. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the piece, to let us know if this camp rendition of classical music is in need of some fine tuning.

When it comes to music, we all love a good bang at the end – especially if it’s performed by the whole gang. You may be rolling your eyes at me right now (because I know you just can’t stop thinking of my face…), but I actually feel very proud of what I’ve said. You may say I have poor taste, but at the end it’s you who’s reading me because deep down you want me to control your mind (gift me your bank account, gift me your bank account…).

Social experiments apart (it’d better work because Sugar Daddy UK isn’t giving me any hopes…), who said that, when we’re talking classical, we need to talk serious? Maybe a few – alright. But after all, if we delight ourselves in listening to the melodies written by the same man who told a bishop to lick his behind through three different compositions, I believe we can open ourselves (no pun intended) to the joys of stupid comedy mixed up with live music performances.

Be most welcome to Scherzö (they needed to prove they were Dutch somehow), a new show by the multi-instrumentalist company Släpstick (here we go again…), currently going on an international tour, and gracing the London scene with their (insert adjective) presence until the end of the week. Both name and title leave very little room to the imagination. But to be fair, they follow through with their promise. It’s classical pieces from every period, ranging from Baroque to Post Romanticism (I have a new crush I’m trying to impress…), and giving the drollest, most absurd renditions you could ever picture in your mind as they play. It’s bloody chaos. And it’s superbly amusing.

Interpreted with rather high competence from a technical perspective, with only a few minor flaws that will probably not reappear in the upcoming nights, the group exudes complete dexterity, flair and confidence as they concoct quite an enthralling jaunt, which is as melodiously pleasant as it’s hysterically funny. Evenly paced and varied in form, the interest never goes down through this almost unending (and genuinely impressive) gallery of eccentric comedy, compelling artistry and, above all, absolute showmanship – proving themselves as masters of their craftsmanship, and admittedly capable of bringing those who disapprove of it into the dark room… I meant, side! (I should close my incognito tabs while writing my reviews…).

Lively, whimsical and incredibly entertaining, Scherzö calls the tune in their own field by delivering an absolutely joyous experience, where high and low-brow elements blend in perfect harmony to create something that, though not unique, still manages to find both its own place and identity. For those seeking a brilliantly executed, an honestly awe-striking display of skill and talent, they’ll probably find their tickets have gone for a song. For those in search for an uncomplicated, feel-good night out, this show is guaranteed to score. In any case, regardless of where your likes stand, this is definitely the sort of music you won’t regret to face.

Scherzö plays at London’s Wilton’s Music Hall until 12 October. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara