The One, Two, Threes to Speed Dating with its Knickers Down'//

 

“Ladies and Gentleman, Welcome to D Harmony’s (for legal reasons) evening of overpriced drinks, awkward soul splitting conversations and gut wrenching reactions to bell sounds. Or as we like to call it: The Speed Dating Extravaganza!”

An audience participation live performance piece, exploring the queering of gendered attitudes towards the worlds of dating and relationships. This work turns the hetero-conformative rituals of dating on its head and absurdly mirrors the steps we've all taken in our journey to find that special someone. Join in our waltz from table to table, in a slur of fake smiles and polite nodding as we rustle up cupid’s feathers and giving him a smacked bottom. Featuring a soirée of happy, colourful (albeit poorly attired) but colourful cast of lonely hearts… YOU! So smother yourself in cheap aftershave, pluck that last ingrown hair from your carefully Vetted legs and let’s make some matches! Kisses x

 

The original performance involved two performers involved in a group speed dating event. As the event unravels and the two performers come face to face, a series of episodes unravel as the span of their dating experience, relationships and break ups all come to the forfront. 

 

The piece has also been developed into a solo piece, as our drag queen host takes a group of strangers of speed dating evening, filled with booze, games, plots and twists. How do you feel not bein in control of your dating rituals? 

 

Performed by Liam Gordon & Autumn Wade 

Mentored by professional performance artist Lucy Suggate

 

Technical direction by Christopher Harris

 

With special thanks to Mark Flisher and Leeds Beckett University plus Adam Young and Live Art Biestro.