The STOMP cast is made up of around 12 members who each have amazing musical and dance abilities. Each show lasts around one and a half-hours and is performed every night from Monday to Saturday and also during the afternoon on Thursdays. With the show being so full of energy, it must be very demanding on the cast. STOMP performers Lorraine Le Blanc and Matt Scanlon took some time out of their busy show schedule to answer a few questions on how they cope with their packed timetable and what it is like to be part of one of the most unusual shows in the West End.

NDF: How did you become a member of the STOMP cast?
STOMP: We went to an open audition.

NDF: How has the show evolved since it was created 11 years ago?
STOMP: The length of the show started off at about half an hour. It is now 90 minutes so it has got longer and some of the numbers come and go.

NDF: Who decides which objects will be used as instruments and how long does it take to come up with each of the different routines within the show?
STOMP: The directors of the show: Luke Cresswell & Steve McNicholas arrange and choreograph the numbers and decide on new instruments. It takes as long as it takes!

NDF: How much practise is needed to perfect each of the pieces?
STOMP: You can never practice enough...

NDF: Unlike many of the other shows on in the West End at the moment, there is no script to STOMP so how much of it is based on improvisation?
STOMP: The music for the show is written but within that there is room for improvisation

NDF: What qualities do you think you need to have to become a STOMP performer?
STOMP: You need a good sense of rhythm and a strong presence and personality.

NDF: The show seems both physically and mentally demanding due to the movement around the stage and also keeping perfectly in time, is this true and if so how do you cope with it?
STOMP: You have to be sensible and listen to your body and try to keep strong and healthy.

NDF: What is the most unusual object you have been made to create music from?
STOMP: A sink plunger or a kitchen sink.

NDF: The ideas within STOMP have been turned into a film. Can you tell me what Vacuums is about and how the STOMP choreography is used within the film?
STOMP: Vacuums is about two rival factories that make vacuum cleaners. It is also a love story. There is no Stomp choreography from the show in the film... we do use poles though.

NDF: Will this film be shown in cinemas?
STOMP: Yes it will be shown in cinemas.

NDF: What do you hope people will take away from seeing the show?
STOMP: I hope they go away feeling lifted, with energy and smiles and that it continues for a long time!

If you would like to find out more about the STOMP show and its performers, please visit www.stomp.co.uk

Essential web links:
www.stomp.co.uk