Theatrical Slosh

A perennial favourite in pantomimes in the UK is the slapstick scene- epitomised by the laundry scene in Aladdin. The particular mess in this and in clowning shows is generally known as slosh.

There are many variations on the recipes for slosh, but the key features are that it is soap based, and usually a foam.

I have also seen cornflour, glycerine and gelatine quoted as other useful additives, but haven't yet investigated these thoroughly. Glycerine (glycerol) however is commonly used as a foam stabiliser in cosmetics and is likely to do so in this application.

A further variation I have rarely seen is to dissolve soap flakes into boiling water with a small quantity of glycerine and food colour.

Key advantages of this type of mess are its quick clean up relative to gunge, natural opacity, relative low cost and ease of availability. These advantages see slosh persistently being used in the UK for theatrical use.

Step 1

You will need to obtain a traditional gentlemen’s shaving stick, which is relatively easily available from pharmacies/ drugstores or online. (Erasmic brand is well known and works effectively, but other brands will also be suitable).

1 stick makes approximately 1 bucket full, so if other quantities are required the recipe will need to be adjusted.