I am sent a sizeable number of marketing information emails for forthcoming performances and exhibitions, all promising to be the best thing since sliced bread. Some are brilliant; some are worth seeing and some are a little disappointing. Coming Out of My Cage (And I’ve Been Doing Just Fine) falls into the first category as the audience at Queen’s Mill last night will gladly testify. It is not often that South Yorkshire takes centre stage in a story that stretches from the States to Ireland but in this case Rotherham is certainly at the forefront.
It came with a good pedigree with The Guardian proclaiming that it was “A life affirming hour that leaves you looking on the Brightside” and Time Out commenting on its Edinburgh Festival run that it was “one of the three best shows to see”.
‘Cause I’m Mr Brightside …
So, what is all about? Well, it is all about one song – The Killers 2004 debut hit, Mr Brightside, which has incredibly clocked up nineteen years in the ‘Top 100’. Reading online comments after discovering a viral video of pub-goers singing Mr Brightside to their recently departed friend, Tim and Hannah uncover stories of incredible people – all united by one song. Together they investigate this chart-busting phenomenon.
The pair of cultural detectives, who could certainly be labelled super-fans investigate the song’s longevity in a silly, hilarious, and entertaining sixty minutes. They leave no stone unturned in their search for the reason for its popularity. From the start when the pair climb out of a cage suitably attired in a homage to the band and the song you know what you are in for.
A universally loved student standard
Speaking to the cast, their enthusiasm and passion for the song (which transports them to their student days) is obvious. I asked them why they thought the song was still so popular? “It is just so memorable and so easy to singalong to… the melody is basically all on one note”, was the consensus. It has been a ‘standard’ in student bars and pubs over twenty years being sung towards the end of the night and at karaoke sessions, something that is certainly addressed in the show.
For what was once a song loved mainly by the 18-21 age bracket, the duo is delighted that it is now multi-generational in its appeal and the relatable lyrics have ensured its popularity. Deep down, it is a sad song with a man obviously besotted with a girl that is seeing another man and wondering what they are doing together.
In this day and age for a song to be so popular for two decades is one hell of an achievement and deserves to be celebrated and yes, the marketing blurb was true, Coming out of My Cage, is an “unashamedly good night out”.
The performance in Leeds on Monday is sold out but tickets for Sunday at St John’s Church Hall, Staincross, Mapplewell in Barnsley remain available at just £5.
To book go to https://civicbarnsley.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873644233
