Review: Trash!, Peacock Theatre

TRASH!, a show where everyday junk gets a fabulous makeover that transforms a recycling centre into a playground of imagination! Four clever performers take a bunch of discarded items like butane bottles, umbrellas, balls, toolboxes, horns, and even bin bags, and breathe new life into them with rhythm, movement, and a splash of slapstick humour.

The characters communicate in a mix of broken English, grunts, and the occasional word, which adds a quirky charm to the performance. While there isn’t much of a traditional storyline, the lively performances keep the show moving. I did find myself a bit bored during the lulls between songs, as the physical comedy didn’t resonate with me as much, but I could see that maybe I wasn’t the target audience. The children in the crowd were absolutely loving it, their laughter echoing through the theatre, especially during the slapstick moments.

The company showcase their impressive dance moves, choreographed by María Rayo, while playing their instruments, making the visual experience much more engaging. I was particularly impressed by their ability to bounce a basketball in sync with their dancing. It added an extra layer of entertainment that kept the energy up and the audience fixated.

A few familiar tunes received a fun twist, with the audience joining in for a rendition of ‘We Will Rock You’. The performers had a knack for engaging with the crowd, encouraging everyone to stomp and clap along, which kept the little ones entertained and involved. It’s moments like these that really highlight the interactive nature of the show and explain how they managed to sell out a European tour.

One standout moment features a performer using steel pans that resemble butane containers. This piece is both beautiful and melodic, showcasing some seriously impressive percussion that clearly has a lot of thought behind it. It’s a reminder of how creative recycling can be, turning the mundane into something truly captivating.

The staging, designed by Toompak, is a creative mess of rubbish resembling a junkyard. Instruments are cleverly integrated into the clutter, adding to the overall theme. However, I felt the staging could benefit from some physical levels to create more visual interest. The flatness of the set makes it less dynamic than it could be. Additionally, the show would be enhanced by more varied lighting to keep things visually exciting during the percussion performances.

The costumes are simple yet effective, with the performers dressed as bin men. It’s a straightforward but clever choice that reinforces the message of the show.

While this production may not have been a perfect fit for me, it was clear that the kids had a blast, and the creativity on display was commendable. With each lively musical sketch, the performers prove that what some folks call trash really can turn into treasure.

Artists – Thiemele, Bruno Alves, Fran Mark and Gorka Gonzalez

Created and co-directed by: David Ottone, Jony Elias and Gorka Gonzalez
Music and set design by: Toompak
Musical Producer: Garabatto
Set and Costumes by: Tatiana de Sarabia
Sound Design by: Nacho Ramírez
Light Design by: Lola Barroso
Technical Direction by: Ismael García
Choreography by: María Rayo

Trash! plays at Peacock Theatre until 1 March.