The Chateau & Southbank Centre presented The Age of Consent at Factory International for one night only on May 17th. Bronski Beat’s groundbreaking debut album, released in 1984, combined Steve Bronski and Larry Steinbachek’s innovative arrangements with Jimmy Somerville’s extraordinary vocals. Famously, the inner sleeve listed the ages of consent for consensual gay sex around the world.
Anyone who lived through the 1980s will remember that people could lose their jobs or be thrown out of the armed services simply for being gay. This album defiantly put two fingers up to the establishment. All three members of the group — Jimmy in particular — were outspoken, political, and unapologetic from the outset, often criticising contemporary gay performers for avoiding difficult issues. At the time, the age of consent in the UK was 21; it was later reduced to 18 and then 16. It remains a sad fact that in several countries there still isn’t one at all. Tellingly, despite its political nature, the album reached number four in the charts.
From the blurb: “Experience Bronski Beat’s defiant debut album, live and reimagined through the voices of ground-breaking queer and trans contemporary artists”. It more than lived up to that promise. Every track on the album was performed brilliantly by Tom Rasmussen, Bishi, Planningtorock, David McAlmont, and the Nia Choir, accompanied by The Chateau Collective, with an appearance from the ever-enigmatic David Hoyle.
The commitment from both singers and musicians was total. By the time Smalltown Boy and Why? arrived, much of the audience was on its feet, and the passion and energy in the room were palpable.
A trailer for the evening can be found on the Factory International website by clicking here and scrolling down the page. The site also explains the history of the AIDS Quilt, sections of which were displayed behind the stage and throughout the foyer.
This was a one night only event, but I hope it will be repeated elsewhere, and soon. The message still needs to be delivered.
Paul Schofield for Canal Street Online.