An ode to reward and risk in rave culture, "Disc Jockey" premieres at Clapham theatre The Bread & Roses tonight

By Isabel Millett

1st Feb 2022 | Local News

"Disc Jockey" follows Daniel Johnson, "DJ", an up and coming DJ from London who finally catches his big break, only for his life under the pressures of fame and substance abuse to begin unravelling (Image: Velvet Smoke Productions)
"Disc Jockey" follows Daniel Johnson, "DJ", an up and coming DJ from London who finally catches his big break, only for his life under the pressures of fame and substance abuse to begin unravelling (Image: Velvet Smoke Productions)

Opening tonight at The Bread & Roses Theatre is Disc Jockey.

A new production from last year's winner of The Bread & Roses Emerging Company Award, Velvet Smoke Productions, Disc Jockey follows Daniel Johnson, "DJ", an up and coming DJ from London who finally catches his big break, only for his life under the pressures of fame and substance abuse to begin unravelling.

Speaking to The Bread & Roses Theatre, Velvet Smoke's producers Tiwai Muza and Sian Duggan say audiences can expect a heartwarming tale about friendship, and the trials and tribulations of that.

"The more you love someone the more you will be willing to fight for that person," says the duo. "Relationships are like roller coasters, they have their ups and downs. Friendships will be tested, passions will rise, laughter will be had."

Muza, who also wrote the show with Joseph Ward, says in many ways 'Disc Jockey' is semi-autobiographical, "or one that takes place in an alternate reality had my live gone down a different route".

"The initial concept for the story came from moments in my life and my journey into the rave culture that I experienced when I went to University," he says.

"I think the use of substances at raves is such an important topic and in this generation it has become so desensitized, as it is almost part and parcel of going raving.

Muza adds: "Many people often say they only go to raves to do the drugs. I love the music and I wanted the chance to bring my two worlds, theatre and music, together."

For people within – or who have ever been part of – rave culture, the play will likely unlock a sense of nostalgia.

But Velvet Smoke Productions say the piece will also push people to think more next time they're out partying.

"People need a reminder to try to check in on your friends, sometimes those who need help are either too afraid to ask or can't yet see themselves, that maybe they need help," says Muza, before adding: "But even without being too deep, on the surface level this is a modern day tragedy, with ups and downs, moments of joy and ecstasy and a story that will leave you on the edge of your seats."

Running at The Bread & Roses Theatre until February 5, tickets to Thursday's performance have already sold out.

Make sure not to miss out and get your tickets to Disc Jockey here. Prices start at £12.

Have a story local to Clapham you want to share with us? Email [email protected], call 07742 524 934 or tweet @IssyMillett.

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