Doris Day Can F**k Off

Could you live life as a Doris Day musical, in constant song? Greg tried.

Interested in how artists create work by imposing harsh conditions upon themselves, Greg explored the idea of creating a one man opera by replacing all his daily speech with song, in any given situation, for six weeks in a number of different UK cities. He sang his words wherever he was, in meetings, on the street, on the phone, or during radio interviews.

The result is a strangely moving and highly original work, that investigates a simple transgression of social norms, and how easily the world can become an alien and unusual place.

This position has led to some unusual material, much of which was recorded via secret recording devices, and used during the show.

A simple conversation with a traffic warden over parking restrictions for example, becomes rhythmic, lyrical, and almost poetic.

Of this journey through light social self harm, Greg McLaren says “it has an effect that I can’t quite explain. There is music that seems to seep out from language, cut up recordings that reveal strange and beautiful maxims, humour of course, my voice, the voice of the audience, and the thrill of an attempt. When language and humanity were young, vocal communication was probably entirely melodic. It’s thought that gesture originated from need, and speech from passion. I contrast this primitive recognition of a voice in the throes of passion with the banality of our vocal interactions today.”

"Inspired and thought-provoking"
The List
Original Review

"Highly entertaining"
Skinny
Original Review

“Captivating from start to finish”
Broadway Baby
Original Review

“Fascinating and entrancing”
Broadway Baby
Original Review

“A fringe gem of great charm and originality”
WhatsOnStage
Original Review