Bunty Looping's stage set includes a commode, a TV showing static, a white chest of drawers with bits of toy dolls poking out, a post (perhaps from a four-poster bed) with a red light-bulb on top, and - crucially for this act - fx pedals by the microphone stand.

There's music and bright multicoloured flashing lights for three women playing animated dolls. Each has a striped horn, and they blow in tune. A man in a bear's head and suit sits on the commode. Bunty Looping comes onstage wearing something like a customised orange prison jump-suit, with the short sleeves and trouser-legs rolled up, and white plimsoles speckled with colourful dots. She records sounds she has made into the microphone, puts them on a loop and plays them for tonight's set. Her skill is remarkable and there's excitement before each song to see what will happen - it's infectious, foot-tapping, head-bobbing stuff. The music beats to the kind of heavy bass that resonates in the chest - as if the whole body experiences the music.

One song has 'The Lord came down to ground, to ground, to give us what we need, he's given us war, he's given us greed' and so on. Some may feel that God has given free choice, and that humankind has chosen war and greed - misplaced anger, perhaps, at the wrong source. There's a funny song with animal sounds - a chicken, a cat, a tweeting sound - 'it seems like we are the animals'. The bear-headed man becomes quite enthusiastic, and dances on his commode.

Jules Arthur (viola), Sara Khoroosi (violin), Hannah Miller (cello) - Le String Trio join Bunty Looping on stage, each with two pairs of sunglasses on their heads. Two of the doll-women don grotesque transparent masks, and dance in jump-suits either side of the stage. Cats rap (vocally). One song's in another language, with Bunty Looping's haunting voice. The last number is 'time for waltzing, take any partner'. People dance, bubbles dance overhead. It's to the tune of a song from Oliver. The bear-headed man is out of his commode and dancing away. No time for an encore, despite pleading.

It's a skilful and original performance with music that would be well-placed in most venues for people to enjoy and move their bodies to, and Bunty Looping's voice is sweet and playful. The words can't always be heard over the other sounds, which is a shame - it's an enjoyable show which could be seen again and again.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Kassia Zermon - Bunty Looping. Performers: Poppy Kay, Sandra Gonzalez, Jay Thornton, Jools Voce. Le String Trio: Jules Arthur – Viola. Sara Khoroosi – Violin. Hannah Miller – Cello.

Company Credits: Writer - uncredited. Dancers - Ruth Dudd & Poppy Kay. VJs - Metaluna Director - uncredited. Lighting Designer - uncredited. Sound Designer - uncredited. Technical Operator - Dawn Right Nasty. Stage Manager – Nathan Evans. Producer - uncredited. Company - uncredited. Website - www.beatabet.net. Website - www.myspace.com/buntylooping.

END

(c) Chantal Pierre-Packer 2009

reviewed Wednesday 12 Aug 2009 / Royal Vauxhall Tavern, London UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com