Earlier this week I was invited to the Live Theatre to check out a new play, ‘Goth Weekend’.
Reading over the synopisis I decided to attend, with more than a hint of scepticism.
Although my interests are multi-faceted, I am extremely passionate about the Goth scene, it’s been something I embraced since a teenager and I did spend 13 years as part of Newcastle’s leading Goth Nights… so, in that time I’ve seen lots of TV, Film, Radio, etc. poke into the Goth scene and often not quite being very reflective.
The set up for the play is fairly simple. Widower Father, Kenneth (Sean McKenzie) meets Belinda (Jessica Johnson) much to the disproval of their respective children Anna (Amy Trigg) and Simon/Bram (Gurjeet Singh)
It’s a simple trope of opposites attract, middle-aged Kenneth being encouraged to move on by daughter Anna : albeit she’d prefer someone closer to her deceased mother than Gothic Musician Belinda, whilst her son would prefer his mother to re-kindle with his father, who is the singer in a band headlining Whitby Goth Weekend… whilst Belinda is playing cabaret covers (“they’re not covers they’re reinterpretations”) in pub back rooms to 5 people.
So, the idea – it’s not new or groundbreaking…
But…
Actually…
It’s a lot of fun.
Writer Ali Taylor has done some serious homework here.
There’s a few jokes that work on different levels. You don’t need to know or understand the Goth scene in order to enjoy the play, but there are subtle jokes and references you can appreciate more.
We all know a Kenneth, someone who isn’t really into it but can put a feign twist (“I used to like The Mission back in the day” – which translates to “they had a track on that dad-rock CD I quite liked”) in order to try to impress a woman.
We all know a Belinda, someone who lives, breathes and eats Goth but is sometimes hankering a little bit back towards the good-old-days with a glimmer of rose-tinted nostalgia
We all know a Simon/Bram, kind of brought up into the subculture by a pushy parent but overall not fully invested.
We possibly don’t know an Anna, but her commentary and voice of reason puts a special touch on things.
The play also pokes fun in the right places. Anna quips, “I’m allowed to slag off Scarborough, I live here” and so the way the play pokes fun almost feels like it has a right to, because it’s there and understands.
I’ve never reviewed a Theatre Play before. So, if you are a regular Theatre-goer I can’t tell you how it stands up.
I can, however, say if you’re into the Goth subculture, it’s a fair angle and representation, fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously and yes, the performances are convincing. I’m sure there’s a lot you can relate to and plenty will raise a knowing smile, as well as a giggle.
The play runs at the Live Theatre until October 28th.
You can find out more and book tickets here
Of course, if you are interested in Gothic Music… why not check out our Cold in Berlin show at Trillians on Sunday October 22nd? Entry is free….
More Info Here…
All Photos by Tony Bartholomew