Adelaide Fringe review 2017: ‘Stimela’ The Gumboot Musical

NAMED after a brand of gumboot this is a terrific show.

‘Stimela’ The Gumboot Musical

Physical theatre *****

The Garage International @ Adelaide Town Hall, until March 17

NAMED after a brand of gumboot this is a terrific show.

Soweto has given us a gospel choir, a string quartet, and gumboot dancing. This show is an energetic, noisy and sweaty contribution to that tradition.

Loosely linked by an old man’s reminiscences of his days in the mines, to which many men were drawn from the townships, the dance routines and the songs tell of the miners back breaking work, their longing for home and the way in which their songs and those gumboot dances eased the pain.

The thigh-slapping boot stomping routines are backed by a very loud three-piece band and accompanied by glorious singing in the style of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

It’s also very funny and very tender and the company work as hard as miners to bring you the gold.

The men are performing at a variety of venues throughout the fringe and they will really leave you calling for more.

Ewart Shaw