By Martin Banks

You would not, at first, think that making a lot of noise by banging rubbish bins could be a form of entertainment.

But it is rather amazing how much energy and sheer enjoyment can be gleaned from everyday items such as match boxes, brooms and, yes, garbage cans.

A particularly brilliant example of this is a stage show called “Stomp” which underlines the message that you really should not underestimate the potential of even the most seemingly mundane of things.

The good news is that this very different and imaginative show is set to delight audiences in Belgium when it lands in this country later this year.

Its eclectic mix of performers are due on stage at the Stadsschouwburg in Antwerp from 5-8 March along with two other venues, Liege (27 February to 1 March) and Brussels in November.

Tickets are selling fast (ticket info below) but that should not be surprising as their reputation for delighting audiences worldwide is now firmly established.

The show’s male and female participants fill the stage  with an inventive and invigorating show  that is, at the same time, a dance, music and theatrical performance.

Described as “explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique” its Belgian audience is promised  “an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.”

The international percussion sensation that is Stomp has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.

Originating in Brighton in England as far back as 1990, audiences worldwide have, year after year, kept coming back for more of what is a pulse-pounding electrifying show.

The press reviews say it all.

Take, for example,the Boston Globe, which beams, “If you haven’t seen Stop, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!” 

The Sunday Telegraph in the UK says “expect to be amazed” while The Times says it is “impressively powerful.”

STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

The running time is 105 minutes; there is no intermission.

The show can draw on a wide range of diverse talents including Daysha J Williams,an award-winning actress, singer and dancer, Dilian Cantrell. a classically trained technical and street dancer who says he “is beyond thrilled to be a part of the cast of STOMP and can’t wait to share his love for dance and music with everyone.”

Micah Cowher is a New York native with a passion for all things rhythm who has been fortunate enough to tour the world acting and drumming in various musicals and rock bands.

They are joined by another American, Ben Johnson, whose  performances span national tours, theme parks, and several regional theatres across the country

Zahna Johnson is a dance artist and performer based in Dallas for whom tap has always been her favorite pastime. She has studied dance all of her life and “is grateful STOMP has given her opportunities to fulfill her hopes and dreams.”

Khalil Louigene, another performer, is an artist driven by a lifelong love of storytelling and performance.

Now in his second tour with STOMP, Michael Mendoza says he carries the heartbeat of percussion onto stages around the world while Stomp colleague Jayme Overton was a member of the final NYC cast of the show and says he is honoured to be part of the tour.

Andrew Patrick began his STOMP journey in 2002 in New York  and for the last 23 years has performed with the Boston, London, international and US tours.

Jake Pyjar, meantime, is a musician and composer from San Diego whose lifelong pursuit of music was sparked at a young age by mentor and former STOMP cast member Chris Rubio.

Hailing from South Jersey, Isaiah Robinson says he is elated to be returning to STOMP on his latest tour while Cade Slattery dreamt about being in STOMP as a young artist.

While most of the cast nowadays are American the founders of Stomp are,in fact, both from the UK.

Luke Cresswell was born and raised in Brighton on the south cost of the UK. He is a self-taught percussionist, having taken up drumming at the age of nine and leaving school at 15 to pursue a musical career.

Steve McNicolas who hails from Yorkshire in the north of the UK and now lives in Brighton on the south coast.

A musician, actor, singer and writer, Steve has worked with various theatrical and musical groups throughout his career including the Bradford Theatre Group, Cliff Hanger, Covent Garden Community Theatre, The Flying Pickets and Pookiesnackenburger.

The running time is about105 minutes and there is no intermission.

Info on tickets etc is below:

• Liège: Forum de Liège, 27 February 27 to 1 March 2026  Link: https://www.leforum.be/spectacle_202602272000.html
• Antwerp: Stadsschouwburg Antwerp, 5 to 8 March 2026 Link: https://www.beat-tickets.be/en/event/stomp-b6f90c
• Brussels: Cirque Royal, Brussels, 26 to 29 November 2026 Link: https://www.ticketmaster.be/artist/stomp-billets/953882?language=en-us

 * photo credit: Stomp