MORE and more in recent months, I have seen Malvern audiences moved to demonstrate rapturous applause.

Last weekend, the first performance in the Forum at Malvern Theatres by the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers proved no exception.

For their clearly strenuous efforts, they were rewarded with cheering, whistling, foot-stamping, standing ovations and an abundance of clapping.

The full house was insistent that the drummers, who have performed at five Edinburgh festivals, play an encore.

After the show, founder member Mijuki Williams said: "What a great audience and the hall was really wonderful. I would definitely hope we will return to Malvern."

For the show Miyuki and four other drummers fuse traditional Japanese Taiko drumming methods, learned under a Taiko master in Fukui in Japan, with dance, dramatic action, comedy, didgeridoo playing and flute.

Musical techniques are used to their optimum to build up tension throughout each piece.

With thick, heavy or extra long drumsticks, the drummers seem to bash with all their strength at their drums, one of which is huge. All in all, the thrill of the primitive beats used with clever techniques made me want to join in. It seemed like great therapy to vent frustration and unused energy.

Ally Hardy