Katzenjammer
  • By Pete Shaw
  • |
  • 20th Aug 2006
  • |
  • ★★★★★

Although their act is only around three years old, Katzenjammer have literally been around the world - and it's easy to see why they are in such demand.

Such is their originality, it's difficult to do justice to their talent in words. Steven Worbey and Kevin Farrell are both classically trained pianists who could give a virtuoso performance in their own right, but together they add a highly comic display of ability that's simply breathtaking to watch.

Both guys play the same piano at the same time - their hands dancing in between each other over the keyboard. They make it seem effortless, but a close up of the keyboard is projected on a large screen above them so you can fully appreciate just how talented they are.

The programme tonight is an eclectic mix of classical, music hall, modern and original compositions - with some styles played at the same time; for instance imagine Moonlight Sonata with the melody of How Much Is That Doggie In The Window over it. It's wickedly clever stuff, but not at all high-brow. Steven and Kevin tie the show together with camp banter that feels improvisational. You can't be quite sure whether you're going to see the same show twice.

Predictably, the audience beg for more when the time is up, and the boys happily oblige with a sing-a-long version of Pomp & Circumstance by Elgar which not only gives them a final opportunity to show off their skill at the keyboard, but also has the whole theatre singing Land Of Hope And Glory. Not a bad achievement in Scotland.

Reviews by Pete Shaw

The Stage Door Theatre

Marry Me a Little

★★★★★
Apollo Victoria Theatre

Wicked

★★★★
Savoy Theatre

Sunset Boulevard

★★
Greenwich Theatre

The Queen of Hearts

★★★★★

Good Grief

★★★★

Since you’re here…

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Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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The Blurb

Spectacular piano gymnastics, hilarious comic banter and a firework finale all combine as Katzenjammer, the four hands on one piano music and comedy duo, return to the Brunton Theatre with their brand new show for two nights only.

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