After a critically acclaimed run at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival, Olly Hawes’ FKING LEGEND is heading to Riverside Studios for a limited run this November and December. This one-man show, both darkly humorous and thought-provoking, delves deep into the psyche of modern masculinity, late capitalism, and our collective responsibility as the world falls apart. Here’s what to expect from this unmissable performance.
1. The Show: A Dive into the Male Psyche
FKING LEGEND isn’t your typical theatre performance. Blurring the line between fiction and reality, Olly Hawes presents an experimental piece that navigates the murky waters of the modern male psyche. With biting humour and unsettling truths, the show highlights the often toxic traits of masculinity while also reflecting on the state of the world. The audience is left to question their role in it all.
London Dates:
- 13th November – 21st December, 2024
- Venue: Riverside Studios, London
Tickets available here
2. Two Acts: Stag Do to Dystopia
The performance is split into two distinct acts, offering a sharp contrast in tone and theme. It begins with the familiar chaos of a stag do, only to veer into dystopia as climate breakdown and a refugee crisis take centre stage. Hawes skillfully transitions from dark comedy to an apocalyptic narrative, holding the audience’s attention as he unpacks society’s role in these global issues.
Expect:
- Stag party chaos
- Dystopian action movie vibes
- A thought-provoking coda
3. Themes: Masculinity, Capitalism, and Cognitive Dissonance
At its core, FKING LEGEND is an absurdist yet deeply intellectual exploration of how men—and society at large—have contributed to the state of the world. From the trivial (socks, sex, and tat bought on holiday) to the serious (fear of death, cognitive dissonance, and global collapse), the show tackles the complex intersections of personal desires and collective consequences.
Key Themes:
- The modern male psyche
- Climate breakdown and refugee crisis
- Late capitalism’s impact on society
4. Olly Hawes: A Distinct Voice in Contemporary Theatre
Olly Hawes has made a name for himself as a performer and writer who isn’t afraid to tackle tough topics with wit and honesty. His work interrogates the tension between individual desires and the stability of society, often leaving audiences questioning their own beliefs and behaviours. With FKING LEGEND, he continues this tradition, offering an experience that’s both trashy and intellectual, silly yet serious.
Praise for Olly Hawes:
- “A magnificent writer” – WhatsOnStage
- “Terrifically smart and discomforting” – The Scotsman
5. Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
FKING LEGEND is a show that defies easy categorisation. It’s a dark comedy, an emotional confession, and a biting critique of modern life, all wrapped into one. Whether you’re looking for a good laugh, a thought-provoking experience, or both, Olly Hawes’ performance is bound to stir emotions and leave you questioning the world around you.
Prepare to be entertained, confronted, and, most importantly, moved by this bold piece of contemporary theatre.