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Entertainment • Theatre

STOMP

STOMP is a percussion-based physical theatre show created in Brighton, England, by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas in 1991.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

STOMP is a percussion-based physical theatre show created in Brighton, England, by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas in 1991. The production uses everyday objects, body movement, rhythm, and visual comedy rather than spoken dialogue or a conventional plot. It has toured internationally and is known for its innovative use of ordinary items as percussion instruments.

Overview

STOMP is a non-verbal stage production built around percussion created from ordinary objects and body movement. It is often described as physical theatre and has been staged internationally.

Creation and development

The show was developed by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, whose earlier collaboration included street performance and theatrical work. Sources place the creation of STOMP in Brighton in 1991.

Performance style

STOMP relies on rhythm, choreography, comedy, and object manipulation rather than dialogue or a traditional narrative. Common props include bins, brooms, boots, hubcaps, and Zippo lighters.

Stage history

The production achieved long runs in London and New York and toured widely across Europe, North America, and other regions. It became a long-running Off-Broadway attraction before its final New York performance in January 2022.

Key facts

  • STOMP was created in Brighton in 1991 by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas.
  • The show combines rhythm, movement, pantomime, dance, and comedy.
  • Performers use everyday items such as brooms, bins, lids, matchboxes, and lighters as instruments.
  • The production has toured internationally and played in multiple countries.
  • A long-running Off-Broadway production began in 1994 and ended in 2022 after nearly 29 years.
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Canadian context

STOMP has toured internationally, including North American performances, and has been part of the broader touring theatre market that Canadian audiences also encounter.

Frequently asked questions

What is STOMP?
STOMP is a percussion-based physical theatre show that uses everyday objects, movement, and rhythm instead of spoken dialogue.
Who created STOMP?
STOMP was created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas.
When was STOMP created?
Sources place its creation in 1991.
Does STOMP have a plot?
It is presented without a conventional plot and without spoken dialogue.
What kinds of objects are used in STOMP?
Performers use items such as bins, brooms, lids, matchboxes, wooden poles, boots, and lighters as percussion instruments.
Is STOMP still running in New York?
No. Its Off-Broadway run ended with a final performance in January 2022.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stomp_(theatrical_show)
    Supports: Creation in 1991, origin in Brighton, England, and use of everyday objects as percussion instruments.
  2. STOMP official site — https://www.stomp.co.uk/about
    Supports: General description of the show's rhythm, movement, physical comedy, and dance.
  3. STOMP official site — https://www.stomponline.com/
    Supports: Description of props and the show's theatrical/percussive style.
  4. BritInfo — https://www.britinfo.net/theatre/synopsis1000023.htm
    Supports: No spoken dialogue, 100-minute duration, creation by Cresswell and McNicholas, and international touring claims.
  5. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Q0rZl0qiY
    Supports: Historical background, early performances, and international stage history as stated in the trailer narration.
  6. Playbill — https://playbill.com/article/29-years-after-it-started-stomp-plays-final-performance-january-8
    Supports: Final Off-Broadway performance in January 2022 and length of the New York run.