​Quest for the Ultimate Rhythm, a comedic children’s performance by The Bongo Brothers at Glenroy West Primary School, Vic. - By David Lee

Close your eyes and imagine the pitter-patter of 250 little feet, a role of gut busting jokes combined with the clever use of caricatures, and rhythmic music mixed with brilliant costumes made to entertain the soul. Got it? This is what awaits, as the brilliance known as the Bongo Brothers take you on a journey ‘Quest for the Ultimate Rhythm’.

I am not the normal intended audience for these colourful characters, but I can say that this performance, both intrigued, and enticed me from the get go.

Quest for the Ultimate Rhythm, one of two involving, comedic performances on show by Bongo, Drongo and Mongo, has a subtle educational base, but also relates to a sense of what it means to be young. From the opening scene the audience is taken on a riveting voyage through the jungles and the plains of Africa, with an amusing use of visual and audio effects.

However, one of the more fascinating additions was the underlying positive messages that were sifted throughout the plot, there to teach the audience constructive ways to deal with issues that become apparent through life.

Involving the sea of children in their skits seemed to help the brothers perform, adding a breath of life to the whole show. The music followed along the journey using a mixture of Indigenous Australian to the Samba of Brazil, allowing the audience to become engulfed in the lands.

Bongo, played by Dave Houston, Drongo played by Ado Osborne and Mongo, played by Bryson Mulholland, gave vigorous performances. These characters, along with the great atmosphere, made the show enjoyable, exciting and even educational for me. This standout group worked extremely well together, were consistently precise in their acting, and genuinely looked like they were enjoying themselves. All components whether it be the characters, costumes, set or music, caught my attention. My eyes clung to the performers for the fast paced 50 minutes. So, in my first experience with the Bongo Brothers I realized one thing, even though I wasn’t in the right age group intended for the performance, I still found myself really intrigued, amused, and dying for more.
 
 "They’re the Wiggles for funky parents. After nearly a decade dazzling kids and parents with their infectious grooves, the Bongo Brothers have created a tight, hysterical piece of musical comedy and wild percussion that doesn’t lag for a second. With an emphasis on fun and interaction, these talented musicians and high-energy performers will have your kids jumping out of their seats - and you’ll find yourself on your feet next to them." – Patrick O’Neil, The Age, Melbourne
 
What the schools said:

The Bongo Brothers were incredibly entertaining. The mix of humour was very engaging for the children. They are talented and completely capable of handling the audience enthusiasm. – Janette King, Sawtell Public School, NSW

The students were very engaged. They loved the variety of songs, instruments and history that the show offered. After the show has finished they were creating their own beat and rhythm just like they has been in the show. A great performance enjoyed by students and teachers alike. – Adena Baker, Jindera Public School, NSW

Fully entertaining for the children. We enjoyed a wonderful journey of music throughout the world. Educational & funny – hardly a moment went by without the children laughing. Three great personalities & musicians. Great value – could have gone on longer. - Debbie Brookes, Gilwinga Public School, NSW
 
The students enjoyed the performance laughing & smiling. The students remembered quite a lot about the Australian beaches & the facts that went with them. The performers were fantastically outgoing to the audience and reacted to the audience. Thank you. - Lindenow Primary School.

Great entertainment, pace was good – no down moments. The level of entertainment engaged all students & staff. A great performance – kids learnt a lot. The performers were excellent, with a variety of skills – fantastic. Held everyone’s attention for the whole performance - Frank Partridge Public School

The students appreciate the mix of music, humour & information. The costumes and use of projector enabled students to be visually engaged with the show. We enjoyed the way all three performers interacted with the audience. Well done. - Boort Primary School
 
We appreciate the performers squeezing all they could into the show. It was highly entertaining with a lot of humour that held the children’s attention. A high level of musical skill combined with comical performance – Great!” - Raleigh Public School

“Fully entertaining for the children. We enjoyed a wonderful journey of music throughout the world. Educational & funny – hardly a moment went by without the children laughing. Three great personalities & musicians. Great value – could have gone on longer” – Gilwinga Public School

“The children were involved and had many opportunities to copy and repeat the rhythms they heard – They loved the humour and the acting out by the performers. Very professional. Involved the children Thank you!” – St Patricks Primary School