REVIEW: New Dawn Fades at the Everyman Theatre

Cheltenham

1976 – The year Joy Division emerges on the Salford music

 

As nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, it's a perfect time to spend an evening in the theatre. 

As an avid fan of all things related to music, I was thrilled to be invited to review New Dawn Fades. The production, which debuted in 2013, follows the rise and fall of four ordinary northern blokes that inspired the punk revolution and paved the way in post-punk and alternative music.

The performance opens to Tony Wilson, Factory Records manager, portrayed by the play’s writer and director Brian Gorman. He presents the audience to Manchester, a city that has become synonymous with musical legends – introducing influential people, such as Frederich Engels, Pete Shelley and Dr John Dee, and taking the audience on a tour of key events – namely The Peterloo Massacre of 1819 and the historic Sex Pistols gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in 1976 – that help sculpt Joy Division.
 

The production continues with a thoughtfully and cohesively choreographed dance between the development of the band and the well-researched historical context that inspired Curtis’ lyrics. It balances the darkness of pressure, identity, mental health and relationship strain with the light of camaraderie and humour in a passionate and authentic way – a way that served both Joy Division and Manchester well.

Stellar performances

Josh Lonsdale took on the weighty role of Ian Curtis and did not disappoint. He convincingly portrayed the lead vocalist in his moments of inspiration and vulnerability. His moment in the spotlight came in the form of his live performance of Joy Division songs, where his idiosyncratic dancing brought Curtis to life. Josh spent much of his time on stage with, director and writer, Brian Gorman, who played Tony Wilson, narrator, charismatic TV presenter and manager of Factory Records. Brian pushed the unfolding story forward, adding his own humour which lifted the mood of the play.

The play excelled thanks to the outstanding contributions of the entire cast. Debbie Curtis, played by co-director Lauren Greenwood, was integral in shining a light on her life with Ian Curtis’, giving their relationship beautifully emotional depth. The on-stage chemistry of Ian and Debbie was tangible, as was the tensions that rose between them. Together they covered some difficult topics, treating the pressure of being on the road, illness and infidelity with compassion and allowing some moving scenes space to breathe.

Meanwhile the other band members – Bernard Sumner (Garient Lyons), Peter Hook (Gaz Hayden) and Stephen Morris (Jack McGarry) – all worked fluidically with one another, injecting both humour and tenderness into situations where Curtis’ health issues became apparent.

The two supporting actors, to me, were equally excellent in their performances, which came in many guises. Kivan Dene and Nicholas Eccles were flawless. They portrayed bigger than life characters that were extremely funny to watch while they effectively pulled the performance away from being tragic.

 

The stage leant itself to the storytelling, providing a clutter free space for the cast to move within. Indeed, it was a perfect space for the full performances of songs such as Shadowplay and Love Will Tear Us Apart. Lighting was used well, shifting from a subdued industrial feel to the bright lights of fame. The subtle lighting ensured transitions did not distract from the performance, however. The sound had a couple of glitches, but the cast ploughed on, which is a credit to them. The sound really came into its own when the band took to the stage to do the live performances – which were ridiculously good as the cast successfully captured the style and energy of the real Joy Division. The soundtrack that accompanied the performance was extremely well chosen and well received with absolute bangers, such as Radar Love by Golden Earring and Heroes by Bowie being played. It was altogether music to my ears, literally!

Bonus!

A massive plus for me was the availability of an exclusive collection of Joy Division memorabilia and equipment. It was great to see the gear used by both Joy Division and legendary producer Martin Hannett, alongside rare vinyl records and posters that captured the spirit of the era.

 

The centrepiece of the display was a beautifully made replica of Ian Curtis’ iconic white Vox Phantom VI Special Guitar – a tangible connection to the lead vocalist. The original, coffin-shaped guitar, which featured in the ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ performance, was produced by Jennings Musical Industries (Vox).

Overall

Seeing New Dawn Fades was extremely enjoyable, intertwining historical Manchester with a portrait of a band that was the forerunner post-punk music, all while capturing the camaraderie of Joy Division and addressing difficult topics with sensitivity. If you care about music history and the story behind creative people, then this Tin Orb Ltd. production is well worth your time.

New Dawn Fades is only showing until Wednesday 1st October 2025 with limited tickets remaining so be quick!

Review by Julia

 

For More Information & Tickets Click HERE

 

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