‘Yes, it’s 1972’, shouts an overexcited, libidinously fuelled and apparently groovy announcer. It’s time for free love and everybody’s doing it. ‘This is it, grab it’ he implores. Or perhaps not. The young people seated beside him look horrified, appalled and down-right scared to death.
The highly talented Wardrobe Ensemble reprise this earlier piece about sexuality in the 1970s in their most assured show so far. There are plenty of easy laughs about how silly we were in the early 70’s, but this performance goes beyond the confines of a retro romp into the saucy or scurrilous sexual shenanigans. Through a series of realistically authentic vignettes we see how the effect that sexual pressures have on the young and vulnerable. Updated contemporary references help underline how confusing the subject continues to be.
A glance across a record store, a lecturer seducing his student, a couple determined to have sex for the first time and a solitary man trying to conjure up the courage to be different; all are explored with sensitivity and a seamless flourish that delivers a terrific theatrical treat.
The show was devised by the whole company and the ease by which they choreograph the changes in tone and nuance is impressive, giving ‘1972’ a maturity which has at times been lacking in some of their other shows.
None of the characters are stereotypically familiar, with back stories that make sense and quirks to their personalities adding real depth. All of the actors are excellent and it is unfair to pick out any in particular, while each scene hits a different spot in a different way.
Musical interludes by Tom Crossley-Thorne and side narration performed by each of the actors produces real pace. Along with the swirling, whirling choreography and assured direction by Tom Brennan and Jesse Jones this is a truly professional show which still succeeds while masquerading as a fringe event.
Some of the characters do achieve sexual fulfilment in a neat device allowing them to tear off their clothes and emerge in swimsuits attacking the onrushing stream of eroticism. But even then, not all waters run smooth as the older lecturer is reluctant to match the desires of his apparently more experienced student.
We meet some characters later in life to hear about the impact that the events had on them and the piece is updated by references to on-line porn and body image.
Perhaps the most compelling story is that of Anton played by James Newton, who despite being thrilled by the prospect of freedom provided by the androgynous role model of David Bowie emerges as anything but. A one sided conversation with his father behind the privacy of his bedroom door reveals the still scary taboos and attitudes imposed upon young people and we are left wondering about his fate.
The show is fantastic fun and the stories are told imaginatively, with wit and verve. Yes, it’s 1972, but you don’t have to be afraid to jump back to the future. ★★★★☆ Bryan Mason 1st May 2019
