Jump
For the very first time in the North West, Koreas phenomenal martial arts comedy combines stunning acrobatics and hilarious slapstick Ye Gam Theatre Company
JUMP
The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester.
Tue 17 Sat 21 April
Press Night: Tuesday 17 April, 7.30pm
Blending martial arts with hilarious slapstick comedy and jaw-dropping acrobatics, Jump has caused a sensation since its inaugural performance in Korea in April 2003. After sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival and a triumphant appearance at the 78th annual Royal Variety Performance, Jump visits The Lowry between Tue 17 Sat 21 April; the only shows to take place in England outside London.
Jump, described as Jackie Chan meets The Waltons, tells the tale of a night-in-the-life of an extraordinary Korean family whose chaotic home is disturbed by burglars. The burglars however, have picked the wrong family.
From the draconian grandfather and unwittingly dangerous drunken uncle to the aggressively assertive mother, the family members relish nothing more than the challenge of a martial arts showdown. Until, that is, more entertaining sport arrives in the form of their hapless burglars. Perfectly timed slapstick comedy, taekwondo moves and impressive acrobatics ensue as the family fight to rid themselves of their unwelcome guests.
The concept for the show was first established in October 1999, developing over several years. In 2001 the company began acrobatics training under the instruction of the Womens National Gymnastics team coach Jeong-Ok Soo. For more than three years, Jumps nine performers trained together in mime, acting and taekwondo and collectively the cast includes championship gymnasts, martial arts masters and highly skilled actors.
The popularity of martial arts comedy has grown increasingly since the early 1990s thanks to Asian action film stars such as Jackie Chan and Jet Lee. Their efforts have sparked a trend in big-budget films featuring and referencing martial arts from Chan's Rush Hour series, to Tarantinos Kill Bill. Jump in turn plays affectionately with such references and more besides, ranging from Seventies TV show Monkey to Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
Since 2005, the show has made over 1000 performances, touring internationally to festivals and venues including: Israel Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Londons Peacock Theatre. It is the worlds first stage show to mix martial arts with comedy and acrobatics.
Jump
Tue 17 Sat 21 March
The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester
Times: Tue Thu & Sat eves 7.30pm, Fri 8.30pm, Sat mat 2pm
Tickets: 10 - 22
Box office: 0870 787 5793
Posted on Tuesday, 20 March 2007 under Press Theatre Press