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A delightfully witty fusion of Japanese storytelling and Western humour.Summary
Rating
Excellent
When I first arrived in the UK from Romania, even beans on toast seemed exotic to me. Since then, I’ve eagerly seized every opportunity to explore new cultures and discover the threads that unite us across the globe. Laughter, I’ve found, is one of the strongest. On a warm August Saturday, when most Londoners were out enjoying the sunshine, I found myself in the audience at Leicester Square Theatre. As Katsura Sunshine himself quipped, we were “a sad crowd with nothing better to do.” Little did we know that our choice to forgo a day in the park would transport us to Japan by way of Canada, courtesy of Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo.
Rakugo, a 400-year-old Japanese storytelling art, might seem an unlikely fit for a London stage. Yet Sunshine, only the second non-Japanese performer to reach the rank of Rakugo Master, bridges this cultural gap with charm and wit. Seated on a cushion with just a fan and cloth as props, he weaves tales that captivate and amuse, proving that laughter truly is a universal language.
Sunshine bursts onto the stage to a theme song that’s as eclectic as his background – a bizarre yet captivating blend of traditional Japanese melodies, hyperpop beats, and blaring air horns. Dressed in a traditional kimono, he immediately commands attention, his larger-than-life presence filling the theatre. As he launches into his performance, it becomes clear that Sunshine is a master at bridging cultures. His animated storytelling style deftly navigates the nuances between Japanese and British sensibilities, finding common ground in the most unexpected places. The constant bursts of laughter from the audience are a testament to his skill: he’s made this centuries-old Japanese art form not just accessible, but genuinely entrancing for a London crowd.
The show’s format, split into two halves, provides a nice rhythm to the evening. The first part is designed to get the audience acclimatised to what they can expect and to put them in a good mood. Sunshine expertly sets the stage, introducing the audience to the world of Rakugo with his infectious energy and humour. Comedian Luca Cupani adds to this warm-up, offering a change of pace that complements Sunshine’s performance.
The second half focuses more intensely on the Rakugo itself. Here, we’re treated to a Rakugo-style story from Cupani, demonstrating how the art form can be adapted by non-Japanese performers. This is then followed by a more traditional tale from Sunshine. This structure allows the audience to fully appreciate the nuances of Rakugo, comparing and contrasting different storytelling styles within the same format.
While the energy in the second half doesn’t quite match the exuberance of the first, Sunshine’s charm keep the audience engaged throughout. His ability to create entire worlds with just his voice and minimal props is truly impressive, demonstrating why this art form has endured for centuries.
Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo is more than just a comedy show; it’s a cultural exchange, a history lesson, and a masterclass in the power of storytelling. While it may not be everyone’s cup of green tea, for those willing to immerse themselves in something truly different, it offers a uniquely entertaining evening.
Devised and performed by: Katsura Sunshine
Stand-up Comedy by: Luca Cupani
Katsura Sunshine’s Rakugo plays at the Leicester Square Theatre for selected dates and times until 12th November. Further information and booking are available here.
