Stoke-on-Trent’s Joe Matty stars in 'Horrorshow', an energetic tale of class, nostalgia and 00s festival culture coming to Bolton Gate Arts ahead of its Edinburgh Fringe run.
A raw and energetic tale of class, nostalgia, and 00s festival culture, starring none other than local Stoke legend, Joe Matty, is showing at Bolton Gate Arts on 22 August. This is a preview performance, ahead of the production's Edinburgh Fringe run, which is from 25-31 August.
'Horrorshow' is the latest offering from multi-award-winning theatre company Chronic Insanity, following their previous critical successes at the Fringe and beyond. Set against the backdrop of a massive 00s music festival that swallows a local town every summer, 'Horrorshow' follows two lads, Dan and Ollie. Dan has a rucksack full of stolen weed and a plan that might just work; Ollie (played by Matty) has serious reservations and an A-level reading list. As the festival unfolds, the lifelong friends find themselves becoming strangers in a world they cannot afford to enter. ‘Horrorshow’ is theatre that hits audiences like a festival headliner.
'Horrorshow' stars Joe Matty, founder and director of local Stoke-on-Trent creative hub, Bolton Gate Arts. The show co-stars and is written by Doug Deans, who is a plawright currently under commission for Almeida Theatre. Original music and lyrics have been written by Anya Pearson, of the acclaimed feminist punk band Dream Nails, (Pearson is also the show's Musical Director). ‘Horrorshow’ is directed by Chronic Insanity AD/CEO Joe Strickland.
The production features a live band playing original songs inspired by iconic, late 00’s ‘indie sleaze’ acts like The Libertines, Jamie T, and Arctic Monkeys. The band accompanies a story that tears into lad culture, class disparity and the impact of large commercial events on local communities and green spaces.
Chronic Insanity has a distinguished track record of producing innovative, boundary-pushing work, including the five star Edinburgh Fringe hit '24', 23, 22’, and previous collaborations with industry giants such as The Young Vic, BBC, BFI, and Nottingham Playhouse.
Artistic Director Joe Strickland says:
"With 'Horrorshow', we wanted to capture the raw, messy energy of a live gig while telling a deeply honest story about the disparities about who gets to experience cultural spaces. It’s about that specific brand of 00s nostalgia and the tension of feeling like an outsider in your own backyard. We’re thrilled to bring this production to Bolton Gate Arts, and, to give long-time fans of the venue a unique opportunity to see its founder walk the boards for one night only."
'Horrorshow' Preview
Bolton Gate Arts | Saturday 22nd August | 6.30pm
Location: The Manège Outdoor Arts Space, Bolton Gate Farm ST3 5BD
'Pay-what-you-decide' ticket scheme*: £15 Supporter | £10 Standard | £5 Subsidised
Running time (approx): 1 hour (no interval)
Suitable for: 16+ (Contains strong language, threats of physical violence, drug references, and loud music)
Buy Tickets for Bolton Gate Arts: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/boltongateartscic/2291932
'Horrorshow' will also run at The Edinburgh Fringe, from August 25 - 31 | 7:15pm at Summerhall (Anatomy Lecture Theatre).
Buy Tickets for Summerhall: https://festival.summerhallarts.co.uk/events/horrorshow/
Age Suitability: 16+
This article has been provided by The Staffordshire Signal. Click below to find more local news.
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Loud and Local11:00am - 1:00pm
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Dave Tunstall1:00pm - 3:00pm
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