Tomas Ford vs. The Audience ??

‘Tomas Ford vs. The Audience’ is in association with ARTRAGE and Weeping Spoon Productions. The show starts at 10.00 pm each evening at the Blue Room until 4^th November. With the previous show finishing just before nine, then a 9 or 9.30 would have been a better start time.

Before entering the grunge club, each member of the audience is asked to sign a waiver that they will not leave before the end (this did not stop one member) and would not object to being degraded. They then had to dress in boiler suits for protection. The expectation of what was to follow was far greater than the reward.
            The set was that of an old cellar with a smoke machine, bubble machine and strobe lights. The monster, Tomas Ford (very reminiscent of Adam Ant), was released from his cage. He sang several numbers whilst gyrating around and annoying the audience, but the ‘versus’ suggested that there would be clever banter. There was virtually no spoken word, and that which was spoken, was distorted by his effects microphone used for his singing.
            There is no doubt that Tomas (a really pleasant chap) can sing, and could probably make a living as a pop performer. He sang in styles from Sid Vicious to Roxy Music’s Brian Ferry, but the initial novelty soon died off as Ford continued to embarrass himself, rather than the audience.
            Ford has proved that he can do first rate monologues and sing, I just hope that he finds his niche and gets a break. Disappointed.

Oh dear... I felt when Gordons review began with 'it should have started earlier' I could see where it was headed. This is an absolutely enticing little number.I urge anyone who dreams of finding their own 'niche' to hop along. I would say very confidently that not only has Thomas found his niche he is exploiting it by blurring the lines of cabaret pushing it into the realms of performance art. I have never been to another performance where the whole audience has jumped up on stage and started grooving with the performer to the smooth sounds of ABBA. WILD. Sure I think there are moments that I would have like a little more clarity- but- its about raw intensity and he doles it out by the truck load. Irreverent, fabulously self indulgent, wild. What a great night out! Maybe for the younger crowd or those who like adventure. Go see. Adam

looking for a niche?

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