Charlie Watts was once asked in an interview whether he ever tuned his drums. When Charlie replied in the negative the interviewer asked him "why not?"

"Because every time I hit 'em, they go out of tune."

I am minded of this story every time I hear the Strike guys striking up for they give their gear a fearful walloping at times (as well as plenty of beautiful, subtle and fun moments, too).

"Elemental", Strike's new show is well in to it's first week and audiences of all ages are loving it. Described by Simon Sweetman in the Dominion as "an amazing show" and Aaron Watson in the Capital Times as "endlessly inventive" and "not to be missed" this show is a smash hit.

There are seventeen percussion pieces in the show, including newly-commissioned compositions from Gareth Farr and composer-in-residence Takumi Motokawa, and the ensemble play hydrophones, pyrophones, dippophones, Bedford trucks, and even the occasional percussion instrument, as part of a tremendously theatrical concert experience.

The season continues at Downstage until 26 July and you can find more information here.

Full disclosure: I work for Downstage and you'll often find me at the top of the Hannah Playhouse staircase, welcoming patrons to the venue.