I could be a rapist or a pedophile. That sounds awesome.

Emails sent to the producers of Duckie and their response, after The Famous' October 3rd appearance:


Hello,
I was very disappointed to have paid £6 last Saturday to witness the second performance of the evening. I found it offensive, tedious and failed to see any artistic merit. I have been to the Vauxhall Tavern three times in the past three months or so and have very much enjoyed the Frantastics, Richard O'Brien, the trio of flautists and the male band who appeared on the same evening as the latter. I am also interested in the work of artists such as Sarah Lucas, Gilbert and George, the Chapman Brothers and Grayson Perry. I watched the act this Saturday with an open mind and when the act concluded I accepted that I may have missed the point. I approached Amy Lame afterwards and politely asked why this act had been chosen. She explained that they had been booed off stage previously and that she felt it would be interesting to gauge reaction a second time. She accepted the act would not have been to everybody's taste and that it was her policy to have no limits when it came to entertainment. I asked whether, in that case, I could expect to see simulated paedophilia or rape on stage at the Vauxhall Tavern in future. Amy conceded that there were, in fact, some limits. She also said she 'really respected their message'. I asked what their message was, and Amy seemed unwilling to clarify. I asked if the main performer would be willing to have a conversation about the act and Amy agreed to request this. The performer was in fact not willing to discuss it with me, as she preferred a 'calm, intellectual debate'. I was happy to have such a debate, but she seemed
unconvinced and was subsequently led away by Amy. A co-performer, the woman who did the urinating, was willing to speak briefly. She explained that another woman's rather more heated challenge ten minutes' earlier made her feel uncomfortable. I said that was understandable and I found the co-performer pleasant, polite and clearly respectful of the main performer. Again, she hinted at a 'message' yet did not feel comfortable speaking on behalf of the main performer. So I was left to guess at what the point of the performance could be. If the intention was simply to shock or get a reaction, then surely the performers should be able to justify their motivation to those members of the audience who are offended or who are reacting? I'd be interested to hear your comments on this,
Thanks,
[Graciously keeping her anonymous]


Hello, I would be grateful if you would pass on this request to whoever organises the entertainment at Duckie. Thank you.
Please do not book the performers who appeared at Duckie last Saturday again! I have just returned from overseas and spent my first Saturday night in London at Duckie. What an awful act. I bought along some friends who had not visited RVT before and they were appalled. Would it be possible to alert clients if this act is booked again. I looked at your website before attending on Saturday and there was no mention or warning of extreme and gratuitous 'entertainment'.
Best wishes,
[Anonymous #2]



Dear [Anonymous #1 and #2],
I am Simon, the booker of the performances for Duckie. The RVT passed on your mails to me.
Duckie is proud to platform some of the most innovative experimental performance in London. The act that you both refer to - Lauren Barri Holstein - is one of my personal favourites, i think her work is great.
All art and entertainment is subjective. We favour provocative, exploratory, unsafe show business. If you attend Duckie again you are likely to see other shows of this nature. This is how we are and what we like.
It is not a requirement for the performer to have to justify and explain their performance off stage to you personally on the night, simply because you have paid the entrance fee. That's not the deal.
I think if you and your pals are likely to be 'appalled' by this kind of performance, it's not the club for you. Other safer environments exists - the gay scene is full of them.
If you would like to discuss this further feel free to give me a call on [i'm not giving you his number].
Bests,

Simon Casson
Promoter
Duckie
duckie.co.uk