By Anita Foxall.
The Arch in Winchester hosted an amazing evening of music and performances on the 27th of March.
Stewart Taylor performed his new ’Virtually There’, a compelling show that takes the audience on a virtual reality journey.
Last year, I experienced part of this show in a scratch act at the MAST, so I was looking forward to watching the whole performance and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
We are at a sales demonstration event as loud music starts and the main character, an American, makes a dramatic entrance wearing the ‘virtual reality glasses’ he will be showcasing. WE are presented with the menu, and we navigate through various virtual realities with him. We go on a ‘racer chaser’, which doesn’t end as excitingly as it started; the ‘super star zone’ where we live the exhilarating life of a famous actor, until it becomes too taxing. All these experiences can be exited when desired, but what if you can’t? I shall say no more, for you should find out by yourself at Stewart’s next performance.
Stewart’s prowess as a spoken word performer is unmistakable and undoubtedly evident throughout. He captivates audiences effortlessly, and the text exudes both lyricism and talent. He is also a very expressive comedic physical performer, bringing a full force authenticity to the ‘virtual reality’ scenarios we are presented with.
As a former National Anti-slam Winner, he brings his unique style of absurd comedy poetry to the stage, pushing boundaries both as a performer and as a writer. So make sure next time this show is on, you don’t miss it, as it will be an outstanding experience.
The opening act featured Hampshire’s top panda harmonium duo, Panda-Monium with their ‘Cabaret of Wellness’. I’ve seen them perform numerous times and will continue to do so, as they never fail to make me laugh endlessly.
It is hard to describe their sound as they don’t encapsule one style only, and their performances always include a variety of unexpectedly pleasant surprises, namely: panda meditation using a potato, ‘pass the philosophical parcel’ where audience members can win a panda related present; a beatbox workshop (all included in the ticket price).
You are constantly being invited to get involved, either by singing, beatboxing, meditating or even galloping on stage. Their creativity and engaging power are infinite, and they will definitely make you laugh, even if you are having a bad day.
Their songs are unforgettable, due to their hilarious lyrics, and unique musical instruments (squeaky toys, children’s instruments and an ironing board supporting one of the harmoniums).
It was an evening of fun absurd comedy by three amazing performers.
Here’s where you can follow them and find out about future performances:
Stewart Taylor’s Facebook page
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