BEATBOXING theatre shows are pretty thin on the ground. For the uninitiated (that’s you) Human Beatboxing is ‘urban vocal percussion’, often in breathtaking combinations and at breakneck speed. In the last few decades, it has evolved with Hip Hop, but many cultures around the world have been ululating in bizarre and wonderful ways for thousands of years.

This one-woman show stars and is about an inspirational young woman, Grace Savage, who can Beatbox with the best of them. Devised by The Paper Birds, a Leeds-based Theatre Company, it is part autobiography, part History lesson, part ‘Teach Yourself Beatbox’ and packs an emotive punch. It is fascinating and is a fitting part of NewcastleGateshead’s Juice Programme, which showcases events for Young People in the Half Term.

The set is simple, but striking. A striped backcloth, a chair, a black box full of noise and a microphone. The young, cool crowd absolutely lapped it up. We were all presented with an item of clothing on our way in. Most dutifully put it on, which seemed at odds with the subversive message, but that is a sign of our times.

Grace’s skills as a Beatboxer are very impressive, but the show also recognises the niche status that it must inhabit. It is also, at times, very moving, with a monologue on violence and a multi-media section dealing with sexism in her chosen skill and music being hugely powerful. There are moments which jar. For a feminist piece, it is odd that the women in the audience are told to scream as if there is a spider running up their leg. The narrative too, mixed at it is with informative elements can feel disjointed, but this is still a valid theatre piece in its own right and an admirable splicing of two disparate genres.

For tour news go to thepaperbirds.com

Review: Sarah Scott