Review: Pretty Vacant at Darlington Hippodrome

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Pretty Vacant – Darlington Hippodrome

Invited| Review by Robyn Watson

Pretty Vacant hit the stage of the Hippodrome with an energised bang last night. It promises to deliver attitude and fashion in abundance and take you on a rollercoaster ride you won’t forget. The Hippodrome at Darlington is always such a gorgeous venue and definitely one to check out in the North East. It was refurbished a few years ago and is such a clean, bright and vibrant space. It’s not a huge venue either which makes shows feel even more immersive. I have also never seen such an array of Dr Martens in my life from the audience. 

This show focuses on hits from the Punk and New Wave era in the 1970s and 80s which blew music expectations and popular culture on its head. The music became louder, more obnoxious and well, so did the fashion. I didn’t really know what to expect coming into this show but it was totally incredible and blew all expectations out of the water. The only issue I have with this kind of show is the audience understanding what theatre etiquette to have. There were so many people talking loudly, during the monologues and I think that is because it was almost like being at a gig. That was such a shame as it ruined the atmosphere for me a little bit. However, I did love seeing the audience getting into the songs singing and dancing. 

Opening the show the house band consisting of Phil Sherlock on bass and vocals, Ric Yarborough on drums and Adam Evans on lead guitar and vocals took to the stage to deliver the iconic Sex Pistols tune- Anarchy in the UK and totally rocked the stage. From the off, the audience were excited and approving of the carefully selected set list. During this scene we were introduced to four other characters who gave great energy with their choreography. 

The choreography was very carefully considered and carried out in perfect keeping with the Punk scene. Jumps, high kicks and some wonderful partner dancing with lifts and tricks really brought the scenes to life. 

A stand out for my had to be Reece Davies who looked like a young David Bowie. He started with Rebel Rebel funnily enough and honestly you cannot tell me he hasn’t descended from the Bowie dynasty! His stage presence was second to none and he delivered such impeccable Punk Rock vocals. His movements and mannerisms mirrored all of our favourite icons particularly Bowie and Johnny Rotten. 

The icon that is Kevin Kennedy, of Curly Watts Coronation Street fame, pieced the show together perfectly with his narrated monologues. It didn’t seem too scripted or put together and he was able to think and interact on the spot. A real wealth of knowledge which allowed us to be transported through time throughout the story of the Punk movement moving to the UK. 

It was great to hear so many famous names and how they added to the Punk movement. One of the key leaders of the fashion world Vivienne Westwood being at the forefront. The fashion within the show was perfect. Costumes with clear intent and enough leather, plaid and laddered tights to shake a stick at. I adored the movement of the shop and use of the props around them. The choreography with the mannequins had to be one of my favourite moments. The incredibly talented dancers were Joshua Fowler, Lazy Violet and resident choreographer Louisa Clark. 

The staging was just the right amount of simple and the lighting added great dynamics throughout especially with the blackout. The sound was a difficult one as they managed to balance it out well however, sitting in the Upper Circle right at the top of the theatre some lyrics and speaking moments were missed. I think this could have been amped up a little. We want it loud! It’s a punk night! 

A special mention has to go to the gorgeous Lazy Violet. A pocket rocket full of energy who moved across the stage with such precision and dynamics. Her voice was crystal clear and sounded beautiful with the tracks she was singing. She fit that Debbie Harry role perfectly with that amazing blonde curly hair. 

Throughout the night we were treated to so many iconic songs which the crowd ate up. The set list was really well pieced together and we heard songs from obviously, The Sex Pistols, The Jam, The Clash, The Ramones, The Buzzcocks, Joy Division, The Stranglers and many, many more! 

The voices of this generation that spoke to so many really paved the way for an endless supply of alternative music that we adore today. This true love story to the genre is played out so well through action, choreography and killer vocals. What an enjoyable evening – Pretty Vacant is unique to its very core and celebrates a genre that paved the way for many.