Deep Throat is by far the most infamous pornographic film of all time. The simple, funny tale of a woman who discovers that her clitoris is hidden down the back of her throat became an icon of free speech and transported its title character Miss Linda Lovelace into one of the most famous names in America.
But beneath the facade and the celebrity, the real life of Susan Boreman is something of an epic tragedy. Abandoned by her religious mother, groomed at nineteen and then corrupted by an abusive husband who forced her into the industry; the starring role in the most successful porno ever; and the subsequent years of feeling that millions of people had watched her being raped on screen.
Turning these events into a rock musical may not seem an obvious choice but Anna Waronker and Charlotte Gaffrey, both respected songwriters in their own right, have taken these events and turned them into a gutsy, storming rock opera and, my god, the results are spectacular.
Over 40 songs are performed and each is as infectious and ferocious as the last, all loud guitar and thundering drums but also carrying a welcoming pop sensibility. The lyrics are inspired. You’ll be dancing in your seat one minute then breaking your heart the next, aided in no short supply by an electrifying, award-winning performance from Katrina Lenk and a gloriously sleazy turn from Jimmy Swann, who tackles the almost unspeakably evil behaviour of his character.
This is a fascinating, involving piece of theatre that is incredible to behold.
4/5 
Martin Miller
(4 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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