Ventnor Exchange is going on tour next week with a fantastic show from Cornwall.
Help! I think I’m a Nationalist is Seamas Carey’s controversial sell-out comedy show on identity, second homes, xenophobia and bagpipes.
Grab your seat now
The tour takes the show from Ventnor to Ryde and then Newport. Tickets are sold out for Ingram’s Yard, but there’s still a chance to catch the show at either Montage Place (The Depozitory) in Ryde on Thursday (15th) or The Apollo Theatre on Friday (16th) next week (jump to booking links).
“The comic causing uproar in Cornwall”
The Guardian
What’s it all about?
Who am I? Where do I belong? Is it OK to be a nationalist?
Cornwall is at a tipping point. House prices soar, the population shifts, tensions rise. Some people see it as a separate nation, whilst others see it as a prime holiday destination and playground for the rich.
Seamas Carey is confused.He is desperately trying to understand. He’s watched a wave of gentrification sweep through his rural hometown. There’s nowhere to live, yet second homes stand empty. He wishes Cornwall was more welcoming and inclusive, but watches ‘up country’ money sow division and suspicion.
Could closing borders and nationalism be the answer? Where’s the line between pride and power?
What happens when it all goes too far?
Seamas needs help. He needs your help.
Listen to the podcast
In the lead up to the hit comedy show, Seamas Carey released a podcast called ‘The Reason Why‘. The ten episodes released looked at the social issues, hidden history and culture wars of contemporary Cornwall.
Having followed the podcast at the time, we’re really looking forward to seeing the show in person.
What does it mean to be an Islander?
Help! I think I’m a Nationalist touches on many subjects that Jack Whitewood, Co-Director of Ventnor Exchange feels will resonate with those living on the Isle of Wight.
“Like Cornwall, the Island is a place with a strong sense of a unique identity and enormous local pride, suffering from the similar challenges, with younger people emigrating, house prices becoming unaffordable for locals and a seasonal economy. But Seamas’ brilliant podcast series and theatre show really explores the complexities of all of these issues and asks us all to challenge our own prejudices.”
Pop over to the Ventnor Exchange website where Jack asks “What does it mean to be an Islander?” It may spark points you’d like to raise during Seamas’s show.
What the papers say
The show has received some great reviews from the national papers.
“thoughtful, nuanced and entertaining”
The Times
” **** Entertaining and layered examination of nationalism”
The Stage
Where and when
Help! I think I’m a Nationalist takes place on Thursday 15th February at The Depozitory, Ryde – Book here, as well as on Friday 16th February, The Apollo Theatre, Newport – Book here.
Tickets are priced at £15 each or £10 for under 25s. If you have a Ventnor Exchange Culture Pass you can get 2for1, or seats are free for those with an Unlimited Pass.
Find out more about the Passes on the Ventnor Exchange website.
The show is 75mins in length with no interval and all performances begin at 7.30pm . 16+
Our thanks to Ventnor Exchange for sponsoring for this feature. They and other businesses and organisations taking paid promotion enables you to continue reading OnTheWight for free.
