Buy cheap tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong
bANGER

When a show advertises itself as involving ‘heavy music, headbanging and a smidgen of angst-ridden poetry’, it does not sell itself well to a punter like myself, especially as I am timid enough when it comes to dance and physical theatre. However, Tara Cheyenne blows any reservations out of the water the moment she pulls on military wear like she is having an orgasm, dives into her opening monologue. With a speech about the pointlessness of caring about gender appropriation, and the arbitrariness of gender as a whole she weaves such clever logic I do not want to spoil it for you; instead I urge you to see it for yourself.

Tara’s character is that of the awkward military-garbed metalhead we all knew at school. Even through the American accents and high school tropes one can see the familiar boy, the one with an intense knowledge of military history and a penchant for violent video games. As well as sometimes poking fun at this fantastical world of fetishism for violence and loud noises, this is a performance loaded with pathos. The man Tara plays with impossibly accurate physicality is one we care for deeply as a misunderstood and lonely youth, juxtaposed with an older man who is equally lonely and equally zany.

This second male character is the show’s biggest flaw. Although barely in it, and utterly hilarious, he seems rather pointless to the whole occasion, not a genuine addition to the piece. But the rest of the show is so brilliant it does not matter. The movement has the awkward grace of Bob Fosse, and in the pounding heavy metal score and corny Van Halen lighting and smoke machines, we find meditation and power in the music of the boy’s life. Within the sound that pounds in his head there is the strength he lacks in his everyday life, and something is unlocked for us in the otherwise often difficult to appreciate genre.

The entire show is beautifully constructed and incredibly subtle with a long-lingering and well thought out message about the young male condition. Where a play about masculinity and the crises therein could become hackneyed, every word and every move is fresh. Tara Cheyenne gives off the impression of having the vim and passion of an American Kathryn Hunter, and I long to see her develop and perfect her craft in future work.

Reviews by David Levesley

Tissue

★★

Riot Squat

★★★★

Assassins

★★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

The Blurb

Heavy music, headbanging and a smidgen of angst-ridden poetry shed light on a young man trying to find his place in the world. In this hybrid of dance/theatre, Friedenberg reconciles the differences between the audience and the social misfit.
Buy cheap tickets for Book Of Mormon
Buy cheap tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for Six
Six

From £42.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Abba Voyage
Abba Voyage

From £67.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Lion King
The Lion King

From £46.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Only Fools And Horses
Only Fools And Horses

From £33.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Guys and Dolls
Guys and Dolls

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Pirates of Penzance
The Pirates of Penzance

From £13.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Matilda
Buy cheap tickets for Expendable
Buy cheap tickets for Wicked
Buy cheap tickets for Mozart - Her Story
Buy cheap tickets for Anne Frank
Buy cheap tickets for Oedipus starring Rami Malek and Indira Varma
Buy cheap tickets for Giant
Buy cheap tickets for Cinderella Kings Head
Buy cheap tickets for Stiletto
Buy cheap tickets for Guys & Dolls