Fittings Multimedia Arts :
The Last Freakshow

Nuffield Theatre, Lancaster University
2- 4 June 2005

The Last Freakshow at the Nuffield Theatre was a truly enjoyable experience. Although I could talk about fascinating aspects of the show such as the disabilities involved or the inherent voyeuristic quality, what struck a chord with me was the humanistic quality of the subject matter. We were privileged to be witness to the inside world of the ‘freaks', their history and the trauma they face, enduring disability in a world obsessed with beauty and perfection.

Whereas travelling Freakshows were commonplace in the 19th century, enabling an alien section of society to establish a community where they found acceptance and belonging, we in the 21st century have our own freakshows such as the Jerry Springer Show, Trisha and reality TV in general. The protagonists of The Last Freakshow searched for a sense of identity and a role in life, a search which is universal to us all; and the questions they asked of themselves were ones we all find ourselves asking at some point in our lives.

Don't we all look back at our childhood and try and make connections with what happened back then and how it shapes us as individuals now? Don't we all have times where we have crises of confidence and question what our role in society is and what contributions we can offer to make a difference? This show made me look within myself and ask those very difficult questions, not necessarily having any answers but opening up a forum for which to continue the search for answers. We are all looking for acceptance and a sense of belonging to a community that does not judge and discriminate. ‘Normal' people might struggle to attain that and perhaps envy the freaks of The Last Freakshow - for they have found it.

We were introduced to each character by our compere Gustav who was engaging as well as harsh towards his colleagues. The passion that he showed towards them was one of ultimate gain for him. He in the past would have been the one exploited but now he was doing the exploiting, constantly looking for ways to increase the interest in the Freakshow. One example was asking Avia the Birdwoman if she would let punters feel her up, this was dealt with in the only way expected from the no-nonsense feisty Liverpudlian.

Other characters in the show included Gilbert the "Wobbly Boy' (he has cerebral palsy) who was in love with Aqua the mermaid who Gustav had exploited terribly and had not picked up on the fact that all she wanted was to be loved by Gustav in a conventional way and not to be seen as a meal ticket for him. The music was provided throughout the show by Allegra who although in the background made her presence very much felt in the strength of her singing voice.

Gustav was constantly accompanied on his tour by "Hands' whose only role at first seemed to be to sign all the dialogue but her fascinating story was later revealed to us. Each character was very powerful in that they reveal the hidden histories of a group of people alienated from conventional society. What we were watching was examples of these hidden histories which proved fascinating watching. As Gustav pointed out;

"Its all real. Some of it is really real, some of it is fake, but its all really good!'
Go and see this thought-provoking piece as it will your challenge your perceptions of theatre as well as your perception of self and your view of disability. This show did not show me the negative side of disability, which is one of victims; but one of empowerment, humour and belonging.

Sherry Currington
14/6/05