Late September in the year 2015, and three weeks on from a leadership election in which 250,000 people voted for a relatively unknown, left-wing back bench MP (an early 200/1 rank outsider) to become the new leader of the Labour Party, the country’s press and establishment continue to out-parody the parodists, clutching their pearls in despair on a daily basis. Meanwhile, news hits social media that our Prime Minister, David Cameron, once had ‘relations’ with a pig. But don’t worry, because it was ages ago. And the pig was dead. And he was a student at the time. Phew! That’ll be why the BBC didn’t cover the story then.
Amongst all of this tomfoolery there are some deeply serious problems around the land and the world: the poor, disabled and most vulnerable in society continue to be plunged into new depths of vulnerability via relentless government welfare cuts, child poverty continues to rise, the numbers of people relying on food banks is at an all time high, civil wars in the Middle East have resulted in millions of refugees who are literally dying for their freedom, and the list goes on. So what is to become of us in the future and how can we change things for the greater good? Enter David Hoyle.
Making a welcome return to the RVT or as he called it ‘the people’s palace and logical conclusion to the ICA’, Hoyle set the tone for Future Perfect – a five week run of brand new shows – from the very outset, congratulating the people for electing Jeremy Corbyn before calling on the audience to take a stand against the status quo and centrist political agenda, all to a futuristic soundtrack and metallic backdrop.
Regardless of your political persuasion it’d be hard not to be enthralled by Hoyle’s raw talent. His magnificent onstage presence, passion and angst are communicated in such an erudite fashion throughout, and that passion translates into every nuance of his performance. One that almost takes on a form of hypnosis, so great is his connection. During the two-hour plus show the audience stood for lengthy sections in total silence, transfixed, there in the moment as one. Hoyle’s linguistic gymnastics were married up beautifully with his trademark make up and bespoke wardrobe (designed by Rick Owens) fit for a future leading socialist, or a member of Prime Minister Corbyn’s 2020 cabinet, perhaps?
The seriousness of the topic is juxtaposed with perfectly placed pockets of wry wit and affirming chit chat’s with familiar audience members, as well as the inclusion of musical guests. All of which add even more dimensions to all already packed and value-for-money show. Hoyle serves up five star satire, music, comedy, dance, live art and social commentary with ease. I left feeling totally inspired and enlightened.
• David Hoyle will next be performing his show at the RVT every Thursday between the 24th September and 22nd October.
