Drummer Queens

There's not much to say about the Drummer Queens – except that their show is one of the best stage productions you will ever see. This is an original Australian-made stage spectacular that is so awe-inspiring and energetic that it should be available on your health insurance package. If your feet are not tapping from beat one, you had better get your pulse checked! The percussion power on show covers all instruments – from human hands, body beats, slaps and taps, cymbals and triangle to every type of drum – Toms, Bongos, Bass, Snare, Cajon, to electronic sonic pads. There's even a cowbell for percussion afficionados.  

Co-created by Joe Accaria (Sydney Conservatorium of Music) a producer, composer, musical director and performer who has directed Tap Dogs, and Nigel Turner-Carroll who is responsible for Tap Pack, this group of eight performers are not merely drummers: they are some of Australia's top trained talent in percussion and dance. Peta Anderson (Dance World Studios, Melbourne) is also the show's choreographer and performs a show-stopping Tap routine that captures shades of every world-class step, from Irish clog to Hollywood's Gregory Hines; Stef Furnari (Australian Institute of Music, drummer for Marcia Hines is a standout on the kit, with rock chick attitude); Salina Myat (Sydney Conservatorium of Music); Nikki Johnson (Sydney Conservatorium of Music, also plays mean Vibes); Ned Wu (freelance Rock drummer extraordinaire); Lisa Purmodh (touring Reggae and Rock drummer and percussionist); Georgia Anderson (Next Step and Brent Street Performing Arts has a mean sideline in acrobatic dance moves); and Claudia Wherry (University of NSW). Every one of these performers gives 100% in a supportive ensemble: there are no missed beats.

The drummers perform with a modern synthesiser soundtrack in a stage frame that places them in an underground setting, where even the pipes that hold up the drum kits become percussive. The yellow and black dungaree costumes match the post-punk 'Times Square' setting. And just when you think the show has reached its peak, the drummers return, having morphed into space-age body armour suits that are part 'Tron' and part military band with an accompanying very impressive lighting show that takes them through to an applause-filled standing ovation and encore. This is a show the whole family can enjoy together, and kids of all ages – and adults alike – will leave this show thinking (as I did): 'When I grow up, I want to join the Drummer Queens!'

Drummer Queens' regional tour continues in June, July and September: https://www.drummerqueens.com/

Beth Keehn

Photos: David Hooley