VAULT FESTIVAL REVIEW: Since U Been Gone ★★★★

Since U Been Gone
The Forge, Vault Festival
Tuesday 4th - Sunday 9th February 2020

Experiencing their first sexual encounter at the back of an English lesson as a young teenager to a straight boys amusement, it's fair to say that Teddy Lamb's biographical performance does not hold back in any form; there's even a bit where Teddy dances around in just their underwear whilst an electric score of Taylor Swift's Shake It Off blasts through the audience, though this moment does drag on a bit longer than it should do.

Since U Been Gone has Teddy talk to us either as an audience or a past figure in their life, one that is no longer in their current existence, and from this we instantly warm to Lamb's personality; though clearly nervous throughout, at times feeling muddled with their thoughts, we sit intently and interact at the most precious of moments, when Lamb may feel the most uncomfortable but bravely showing off their honest, true self with no forgery. Nicol Parkinsonp is also present on stage as the stubborn musician who scores throughout and portrays glints of sexual moments with a sly wink and a smirk. They are extremely talented in this musical form, juggling the guitar with the appropriate equipment to match, whilst helping ease Lamb along the way and being a support network when needed.

Pete Butler's design is certainly elaborate and stands out with the florescent titular text on the back wall that plays a huge part in the storytelling. Billy Barrett has directed Lamb in a way that never becomes loose, constantly jumping from one anecdote to another, though this does clash in certain moments that stumble and never feel cohesive, with some dry moments of silence in place that dipped in energy, as Lamb holds a position upon receiving gratitude from the audience, instead of the idea of exploding into the next narrative. It was only in rare cases that this became apparent though, as otherwise Lamb has us engaged throughout with pure emotion which is understandable considering the subject matter and personal responsibility to tell their own story.

Overall, Since U Been Gone is a triumphant take on an LGBTQ+ tale from a performer with heart and emotion evident in their narrative, but at times can slip from a cohesive flow, which falls into the trap of often giving too much energy and not enough character performance to lead from one setting to another.