Hilariously Explicit Biting Satire Lifts the Lid on Online Culture
From the pen of leading Australian playwright and social commentator Van Badham comes, Banging Denmark, a modern rom-com about men who claim to understand the “female mind” and the online culture that inspires them. Via cracklingly funny dialogue, this phenomenal swinging satire deep dives into the seamy underside of the web.
Financially and emotionally ruined after a sexist harassment campaign, sleeping behind the office copy machine and existing on a bag of carrots while writing a thesis on computer games, feminist academic Ish Madigan is not exactly living her best life.
Guy DeWitt, meanwhile, is on top of his game: a notorious pickup artist whose seduction strategies have earned him a legion of male followers, stacks of cash and no-strings sex whenever he wants. The trouble is that Guy’s real name is Jake Newhouse, and Jake is falling apart with desire for Anne, an intelligent and independent Danish librarian he can’t game.
In desperation, Jake crosses enemy lines to seek help, offering Ish a life-changing sum of money to coach him in feminist friendly flirtation. She is appalled – and sorely tempted. So, what’s stopping her? Just ethics, morals and every fibre of her being.
Into the mix throw Ish’s friend Denyse and the faithful Toby, wading patiently through the depths of Denyse’s friend zone, and you’ve got a giant tangle of bad decisions as these five characters navigate the treacherous waters of love, sex and dating in the 21st Century.
Director Allison Van Gaal (Trevor) has assembled a fabulously funny cast, including Megan Kennedy (Puffs), James Chapman (Things I Know to be True), Stephanie Hilkman (Chicago), Guilherme Norohna (Keeping Up Appearances) and Katie Blaxland (Jersey Boys).
Van Gaal said audiences were sure to find the tale compelling.
“Badham has written a deeply relevant romantic comedy that examines the dark underbelly of internet dating culture and online pickup artistry,” said Van Gaal.
“Her writing sizzles with wit and humour but leaves us with genuinely touching moments.”
Following an acclaimed season at Sydney Theatre Company, The Very Popular Theatre Company proudly presents this culturally relevant dark comedy about sex, the internet and social democracy.
Banging Denmark opens at The Playhouse in Newcastle on 28 April. Book through Civic Theatre Ticket Office at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au or phone 4929 1977.
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