Jeff Hyslop Articles

Six twinkling feet tap out a dazzling show
ROBERT CREW - Theatre

The new theatre season is under way and the patter of tiny feet can be heard once again at the Young People's Theatre.
The show, which opened last night, is called On Tap. But the six twinkling feet in question belong to three energetic and talented adult entertainers � Jeff Hyslop, Lesley Ballantyne and Scott Smith.

     I first saw this show in a workshop production at the Adelaide Court Theatre toward the end of last year. Production values were sparse, with minimal lighting, sets and costumes.
That has now changed. But the basic content of the show is unchanged, starting with brief demonstrations of the hornpipe, clogging and flamenco, through soft-shoe and on to full-blown, clattering tap-dancing at its best.

     Some extra routines have been added but the show-stoppers remain much the same � Ballantyne's comic ballerina, tap-danc-ing on point; Smith's nimble dancing up and down a flight of steps; and Hyslop in almost every number he appears in.

     All three of the On Tapsters are fine dancers and the ensemble rou-tines are consistently interesting and well-polished. But Hyslop leads the way with his flowing, seemingly effortless dancing, good singing voice and engaging stage presence. Some of his high kicks are breathtaking.
Ballantyne adopts a cheeky brashness that works well but Smith's voice, while pleasant, lacks power in the larger theatre.
The expanded show does appear somewhat formless. Some sort of narrative, explaining the origins of tap dancing and illustrating its development and different styles, would help to hold the whole thing together.

     But there's a happy, informal air to proceedings, with all the performers making little humorous asides. And the musical director has the best line of the night. In this instance, six feet add up to yards and yards of dazzling, toe-tapping entertainment.