Sherman Theatre
Fri 21 Sept (10pm performance)

words: Antonia LeVay

Set in a 1950s mid-west American town, The Bloody Ballad follows the story of Mary (played by Lucy Rivers) as she embarks on a dangerous love affair. The production follows the deadly outcome and features the brilliant Missing Fingers rockabilly/rock’n’roll/Americana band of which Lucy is the lead singer. A cast of five, Tom Cottle, Hannah McPake, Dan Messore and Oliver Wood and a relatively sparse set conjure the most brilliant, dark and immersive piece of theatre I’ve seen for a long time. David Lynch merged with Nick Cave in a dark alley on crack, set to rocking live performance.

Written by Lucy, the disturbing and dark lyrics give an authentic feel and set the tone of a dusty outback town where not a lot happens. The bizarre relationship Mary and ‘a stranger’ embark upon is the core of the story as is her isolated and damaged relationship with her father. The outcome is both funny and horrific. Lucy has created a piece of theatre which if you get the chance to see you really should. Embrace the vibe and get the Brylcreem, prom dress and knife on standby!