Review: Seven Day Drunk

When: 25-26th May 2012

Where: Bristol Old Vic Theatre

Never have I seen such an array of colourful props in the name of art. I’d been told very good things about performance artist Bryony Kimmings, and so when I heard the last days of her show Seven Day Drunk was coming to Bristol, I thought I’d take the day trip to see it.

The fundamental idea, the alcoholic-driven artist, is hardly a new one, but the determination and commitment Kimmings brings to such an experiment makes for a performance that is brutally honest and continuously compelling. Such is the sense of play in Kimmings’ work, she even convinces a member of the audience to down 7 shots of vodka mixed with cranberry throughout the performance – a sort of mini-experiment in amongst the show.

For seven days, Kimmings maintained increasing states of drunkenness. She was organised by a team of psychotherapists, GP’s, neuroscientists, and carers. She would remain at one particular level of sobriety from 10am-7pm, all the while performing for test audiences, writing and recording her experiences. All of the material was created within these seven days, and all performed sober. Part theatre, part musical, and part documentary, Kimmings takes you on a ride structured sequentially by her seven days, the increasing intoxication setting the scene for more hilarity and honesty than vodka.

Glitter, lights, dramatic costumes, and liquids abound, and the coherency (believe it or not) and unity of this performance creation is something to marvel at. “I am the type of artist who is middle class, thinks they’re working class, is an artist, but doesn’t create any work and is a prick” – I paraphrase, but you get the idea. This charming artist has such intensity to both structure and performance energy it’s impossible to not like everything from her drunken melodies to her audience participation.

The results of her experiment are hardly surprising, but how you feel toward the events are. Kimmings still manages to tread a line between the compelling nature of the rebellious and the humble acceptance of the decrease in self esteem and overall mental state.

Bryony Kimmings, you may not be classified as an artistic type like Jim Morrison, or be too jolly for Van Gogh, but you have your own completely entertaining view on this life, and I feel privileged to be able to enter your wacky world.

For Kimmings’ website, click here.

Image: Total Theatre Review