Do Rock Stars have to be over-dosing, chain-smoking Alcoholics? Is it a prerequisite that they set guitars alight, trash hotel rooms or die ‘before their time’? Can Ollie, age 26, a self-confessed occasional drinker and non-smoker reach his dreams of legendary status?
27, a new work funded by Emerge, is conceived, directed and performed by Ollie Smith. It is part informational, part stand-up and part tongue-in-cheek ambition. It’s a one-man show that explores the infamous 27 Club and takes a nostalgic sometimes suicidal look at these infamous and perhaps forgotten rockstars – the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Kurt Kobain. I found this show to be funny, inventive, thought-provoking and surprisingly compelling for a ‘gig’ where no live music is played!
As the show opens, we see a longhaired, bare-chested man adorning a ‘cool’ leather jacket and shades. He is stood sound checking the three microphones that are placed on microphone stands equidistant across the front of the stage. Apart from a bucket of water and a Doomsday Clock, the stage is bare. The direction is economic and considered, with well-chosen material and props. Each microphone and stage space has a clear role, and links to particular ‘personas’ and parts of the story. Seemingly anecdotal information such as the frequency response of Sm58 microphones and the avoidance of ‘popping’, becomes strategically relevant as the story unfolds. An iconic use of sunglasses allows Ollie to move with convincing celerity between characters. There are some bizarre slapstick moments like his pulling of various items out of a bucket of water, including a tiny bottle of Jack Daniels. Later we see him produce shampoo and wash his hair. On first impression, this could have been theatricality for the sake of it, but it’s done with concise precision and seemed to say something intangible about these rockstars and their ‘luxurious’ locks. It was entirely fitting.
There are moments of amusing insights: a reference to how people always assume long haired men must be drug-takers or at least smokers. The piece could have been slightly shorter. I found it a little over stuffed with mathematics, which was amusing initially, then became irritating. Some of it felt uncomfortable. Was that a good thing? Possibly. The piece and particularly Ollie showed promise – especially in his ability to reveal truth. The ‘tongue-in-cheek’ truth here, that we, the audience, are not interested in Ollie, but simply in his death.
In the words of Jimmy Hendrix: ” Once you’re dead, you’re made for life!” How very rock n roll! Catch it while you can – 27 continues its tour in Nottingham on 7th and 8th of March.
Zoe Parker is a choreographer and dance artist who blogs about culture, dance and wellbeing.
She is one part of @yorkslifeaqua a dry land synchronised swimming team coming to a water feature near you.