David Hoyle is an iconic figure in the world of performance art, celebrated for his distinctive, avant-garde approach that skilfully blends comedy, music, and provocative theatre to challenge social norms and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. As an actor, comedian, performance artist, and singer-songwriter, his work has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional performance, making him a pivotal figure within the queer community and beyond. His art is not just a form of entertainment but a form of activism, providing both a voice and a refuge for those on the margins of society.
Last week at Factory International, Hoyle unveiled what was billed as his last performance, Still Got It..!?, a compelling fusion of burlesque, cabaret, and music that journeyed through his life as a queer artist.
The evening commenced introspectively with a short film of Hoyle ambling along a beach in Blackpool, setting a thoughtful tone for what was to unfold. The rest of the show was a vivid tableau of avant-garde elements, brilliantly showcased by the GlitterBomb Dancers and a host of performance artists, including Lilly Snatchdragon, known for her edgy and bizarre acts; high heel skating and hula hooper Symoné; Dublin-based drag star Veda Lady; and drag queen Thom Shaw, also known as “Pam”, who entertained us with poems, such as John Cooper Clarke’s ‘Evidently Chickentown’. These artists conveyed a spectrum of emotions, highlighting solidarity and support within the LGBTQ+ community.
Hoyle, with his hallmark wit and humour, tackled serious issues, such as depression, suicide, and the stigma faced by HIV+ individuals, lightening these grave topics with his comedic flair and his poignant song ‘Still Here’. His candidness and humour brought not only entertainment but also a celebration of his remarkable life, striking a chord with the predominantly queer audience. The emotional peak of the show came when Hoyle confessed that this performance was “The happiest evening of his life,” bringing him to tears and moving the audience profoundly.
The phrase “Ladies and Gentlemen and those who are clever enough to have transcended gender” resonated throughout the venue, underscoring the show’s inclusive and progressive ethos. The “Wheel of Destiny” was another highlight, where the audience engaged in guessing whether Hoyle “still got it,” “never had it,” or “lost it years ago” on various subjects, ranging from the trivial, like rat tenants, to the intensely personal, such as his HIV status.
The performance culminated in a stunning visual spectacle – a double-decker bus appeared behind the curtains, with performers boarding and waving goodbye, while a string quartet played Tina Turner’s ‘Proud Mary’. This memorable finale not only marked the end of the evening but also celebrated the conclusion of Hoyle’s fantastic career.
David Hoyle’s Still Got It..!? was a masterclass in performance art – intelligent, sarcastic, and unapologetically bizarre. It reminded us that life, in the fleeting moments between birth and death, is to be lived authentically and boldly, free from the constricting expectations of society. The show entertained, inspired, and resonated deeply, reaffirming Hoyle’s status as a vital voice in contemporary queer culture.
JADAR 