YOU CAN TAKE ME HOME TONI
A comedic theatre-cabaret extravaganza about secret fandom & queer experiences!
Lorraine has a secret, an embarrassing obsession. And she is ready to out herself to you.
The summer of ’89 and a young Lorraine sits mesmerised by the VHS flicker of Toni Basil’s Word of Mouth. Perfection!
A haze of high energy dance, smoky close ups and a roaring sexual urge soundtracking a fever dream of childhood trauma, teenage angst and emergence to adulthood.
Hilarious & heartfelt - expect outrageous costumes, 80s nostalgia, close to the knuckle stories and ecstasy.
This autobiographical performance involves by UK artist Lorraine Smith involves Dada-esque costumes by award winning Dutch designer Daphne Karstens.
Through text, movement, choreographed dances, projected visuals, lip synchs and ethical audience interaction, Lorraine will lead you on a journey of honesty, taboo breaking stories relating to vaginas, sexual assault & harassment, queer experiences, self-exploration, shame and eventual acceptance.
Emotive, comedic, at times shocking and confronting, but joyfully celebratory and uplifting.
Oh Lorraine, you’re so fine…
SHOW DETAILS
What: Newcastle Fringe Festival 2025
When: 26 July, 8.30pm
Where: Dance City
Duration: 60 mins
Age recommendation: 16+
Price: £4 - £18
Booking website:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/newcastle-fringe-festival/t-vvnlklk
Content warnings: Adult content, offensive & sexually explicit language, stories of (child) sexual assault & harassment, genital injury, bullying, homophobia, body shaming & trauma response.
REVIEWS
★★★★ - The Reviews Hub
“’Wild, slightly uncomfortable, but absolutely fascinating...Lorraine uses her spicy sense of humour and likeable personality to balance these traumas with laughs and heartfelt, relatable moments... Lorraine’s performative presence is electric, and if you’re willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone, YCTMHT is sure to provide an unforgettable night.’
- Pagan Hunt (Commotion)
'Smith’s ability to demand attention and get the audience onboard their beautifully crafted story goes hand-in-hand with carefully executed storytelling that touches on hard-to-digest topics of a dark nature.' - Adam Potrykus (Stockholm Fringe Festival)
'Brave, bold, uncompromising, daring, innovative, Avant Garde.’ - Angeline Lucas (NEDC Founder)
'Highly visual & personally powerful yet playful interactive performance.’ - Phil Douglas (Curious Arts)
'Excellent, funny, touching & intellectually stimulating.’ - Audience Member
'It was absolutely amazing and such a beautiful use of costumes, interactions, projections, lighting, sound...EVERYTHING!' - Audience Member
'This show was an extremely visceral experience. As a child of the 80's this performance stirred memories in me. The dichotomy of being a strong and confident woman yet a victim of sexual harassment and assault really hit home and sparked debate in the bar afterwards. The costumes were extraordinarily imaginative and so tactile. What a brave piece of art!' - Audience Member
Previous Performances
Queering Puppets Festival 2025 Amsterdam - Voila! Theatre Festival 2024 - Durham Fringe 2024 - York St John University - Stockholm Fringe 2023
Company website:
https://lorrainesmitharts.wixsite.com/mysite/new-project
Trailer:
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