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Velvet

To compile his one-man show, Velvet, Tom Ratcliffe combined personal experience and the disturbing revelations that emerged as the #MeToo movement gathered momentum. Following a highly successful run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2018 and performances at the VAULT Festival earlier this year, he now brings a run to Above The Stag.

A sincere and amusing take on a serious subject.

As the big international stories of men behaving abusively towards women, taking advantage of their vulnerability, were hitting the headlines, Ratcliffe had already begun writing his story, which illustrated how gay men could find themselves in similar situations. The public statements that increasingly emerged from victims simply gave it added urgency. His character, Tom, is setting out on what he hopes will be a highly successful career, but he faces the problem common to so many actors of how to get started and where to find the break. He’s been trying for a few years, during which time he’s done the usual round of jobs to stay alive, attended endless auditions, had boyfriend issues and resorted to support from his parents. He believes in himself and that he will ultimately be successful, so hold out against all the pressures to give up. Then one day, while trolling Grindr, a figure appears who might just be the answer to his dreams. The man has power and control over the sort of opportunity Tom is looking for. His demands, however becoming increasingly personal and intimate, forcing Tom to consider what he’s prepared to do and risk in order to further his career.

The action is carried out on a chessboard floor, perhaps suggesting that actors are often mere pawns in a game that is dominated by a hierarchy of more powerful players who make predictable moves to achieve their goals and desires. A slightly camp chaise-longue carries the seductive overtones of the infamous casting couch

and perhaps also promises a more opulent future. Hanging above and behind it is the screen surrounded by dressing-room style lights on which the online chats appear, accompanied by the earnest, deep voice of the other person. It’s a basic set by Luke W Robson that carries all the right messages.

Ratcliffe comes over as an energetic and passionate guy who’s a delight to watch. He enthusiastically romps through the script relating the various aspects of Tom’s life and current situation with candour and humour. After a while, however, Andrew Twyman’s direction becomes rather formulaic. There are multiple conversations in which Ratcliffe eloquently plays both parties but often at a pace that is too rapid to reflect upon their substance. The movement follows a pattern of stand up, sit down, recline and repeat. Once the online conversations are underway, watching text appear on the screen and listening to the booming voice struggles to entertain.

Velvet is a sincere and amusing take on a serious subject, but Tom needs more depth and fleshing out as a character to sustain a level of interest that rises above the banter.

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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.
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Performances

Location

The Blurb

by Tom Ratcliffe 

Tom has always dreamt of being a successful actor, and now after years of disappointment he is finally presented with his golden opportunity… and an impossible decision to make.

Set against the backdrop of the 2017 #MeToo movement, VELVET explores the complex realities of harassment within the industry from a gay male perspective. However, when most creatives are riding the wave of change, will Tom’s opportunity slip through his fingers?

Winner of Theatre Weekly’s ‘Outstanding Monologue’ in Edinburgh 2018’s best of the fest,VELVET is written and performed by Tom Ratcliffe and directed by Andrew Twyman (Kanye the First; Hightide).

★★★★★ - Theatre Weekly
★★★★★ - Bouquets & Brickbats
★★★★ - The Stage
★★★★ - The Scotsman
★★★★ - Broadway World
★★★★ - The List
★★★★ - LondonTheatre1
★★★★.5 - Edinburgh Culture Review
★★★★ - Edinburgh49
★★★★ - EdFringe Review
 
WINNER - 'Outstanding Monologue' in Theatre Weekly Best of the Fest 2018
WINNER - Sean Meehan Identity in Theatre Award 2019
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