Self Tape at the King's Head Theatre

“What happens when you’re in your thirties and your dreams have vanished?”

From self-tape auditions to performing as a gay webcam model, what price will Jonas Harland – a jobbing-actor & council-estate boy ‘done good’ – pay in his attempts to win the career he has always dreamt of? Money may be tight, but is it worth sacrificing his peace of mind, his personal relationships and the little joy that remains, for the risk of exposure as he descends into the world of cyber-sex?

Self Tape explores modern relationships; in-person & virtual, aiming to break the manifold taboos of sex-work. Written during lockdown, a period that saw an exponential rise in the camming industry, the piece holds a mirror up to contemporary society.

Self Tape attempts to show the destructive way cam sites can be used to shame sex workers, resulting in consequences that can be life-changing, and asks the question is this any different from how actors are exploited? It mixes humour and vulnerable moments to create a show that raises some important questions about the theatrical industry.

Where the show falters slightly is in its predictability. Scenes are generally short and snappy but pretty quickly the audience can see where the final scenes are headed so the twist comes as no real surprise. Similarly, there is some elongating of narrative points which feels unnecessary. This show does have the potential to be a real Fringe hit with some adjustments to the text.

Where the strengths of this show are in its subtle, daring and honest performance by Michael Batten, as well as its showing how people can spiral in these situations over time towards the more depraved especially when financial dominance is involved. The better moments in this show really are great.

Self Tape is on at the King’s Head Theatre until the 2nd of July, tickets start at £10 and can be purchased through their website.