Solid Air
“Look, here we are with time to kill, enough hash brownies to get the entire population of Oxford high and two guitars. Let’s just jam, man, like the old days”
An Oxford College Ball, June 1973. Genius folk musician John Martyn is on the bill and he’s brought along his equally brilliant friend, Nick Drake. Despite their wildly different natures – John is a maverick; charming, brash and reckless, whilst Nick is shy and pensive – the two are close friends. But whereas Martyn’s career has taken off with the release of his groundbreaking album, Solid Air, Nick’s has stalled after his last effort, Pink Moon. And he doesn’t want to talk about it.
Backstage, between sets, the two musicians hook up with an unlikely crew – Ball Committee Rep, Anthony Blair, his date Sarah (who has dreams of joining the RSC), anti-ball protestor Dave (who isn’t supposed to be there) and off-duty Special Forces squaddie, George. Fuelled by hash brownies, crates of alcohol, lobster and crisps, the party spend a reflective night bantering, bickering, making music and singing.
Exploring themes of artistic purity vs commercial realism, social mobility and friendship, Solid Air is a funny and moving play echoing sentiments of today’s social disparity.
A Drum Theatre Plymouth Production.
Recommended for everyone aged 14+.
Post Show Q&A: Thursday 14th November.
Event Date
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