Danusia Samal’s smash gig theatre hit Bangers is back with a brand new look, following five star runs at Soho Theatre and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023. Coming to London’s Arcola Theatre for three weeks this summer, Bangers is bringing the party to Dalston.
An exhilarating night of original music, lyrical storytelling and pure UK garage vibes, Bangers sees two headliners crossfade between stories of love, sex and the power of music across one night where their lives intersect. Joined onstage by a live DJ and narrator, Aria and Clef hurtle towards each others’ futures as they each struggle with their pasts, blending early 00s and present day R&B vibes in an original soundtrack of pure bangers.
How would you describe the show, Bangers?
It’s nostalgic, poetic, and filled with musical bangers! A story about coming of age and reconciling your past – both gripping drama and a good night out.
What can you tell us about your role in the production?
I wrote the play, along with lyrics and melodies – which were brought alive by the sick compositions of Duramaney Kamara. I’m also one of the performers. I approached our director Chris Sonnex with a version of Bangers many moons ago, so making it into a full production has been a bit of a dream come true.
The show has had very successful runs at both Soho Theatre and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, how does it feel to now bring the show to Arcola Theatre for a three week Summer run?
It’s exciting! Dalston has a rich history and music scene, and we’re excited to tap into that. I grew up not too far away, and I’ve imagined our characters roaming these streets. The Arcola is also a great space that we’re looking forward to filling, and we’re really excited about collaborating with them on some post show events to keep the party going.
Bangers is described as “a lyrical love letter to UK Garage”, can you tell us a bit about how the concept for the show developed?
Years ago, I wanted to write a show about our relationship to music – how the songs we listen to shape our attitudes to love, sex and gender. There was always going to be a DJ and vibes, but the story grew and evolved and Clef and Aria were born. In 2020 I was given a place on the Soho 6 and an opportunity to stage a full production with Cardboard Citizens. I was writing about clubbing in the middle of a pandemic – when I wasn’t sure if we’d ever dance again! It was interesting because that was kind of the female character ‘Aria’s’ journey – returning to music after being cut off from it.
Alongside the show, there will be events for young people – what can you tell us about these and your motivations for running them?
We’re really excited about hosting events around the show – we’re hoping to run open mic nights, book DJ’s, and collaborate with the Arcola’s participation and community groups so WATCH THIS SPACE. The original production of Bangers toured community venues and homeless shelters and it was a massive part of the production. Theatres can often feel alienating so we want to run events to help bring in new audiences and welcome people to the show.
What do you hope audiences will take away from Bangers?
I hope it makes them think, I hope it gets them talking, and I hope it reconnects them to their love of UK garage. I also hope that someone comes to see this and thinks – ‘I can write a play too!’