'I Lost My Virginity to Chopin's Nocturne in B-Flat Minor'

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Salamander Street Ltd
Sebastian Gardner
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The last night of a dysfunctional relationship precedes its one-night stand beginnings in this bittersweet heartbreak comedy.

Tender, awkward and painfully funny, 'I Lost My Virginity to Chopin's Nocturne in B-Flat Minor' probes the murky line between devotion and destruction in a modern relationship.

'Chopin' is a bittersweet comedy which focuses in on the disparity between classes and how much of your self identity you would comprise for someone you love. Its fresh look at 'privilege', challenges how this is defined by both gender and upbringing, highlighting darker elements of toxic masculinity and the unhealthy nature of a dependent relationship.

The piece explores a modern relationship being pulled apart by the divides of the class system and treads a murky line between devotion and destruction. It explores the politics of both the middle class and the working class, pitting them against each other to interrogate privilege, the gender divide and stereotypes.

‘ a delightful slice of relationship hell’

- Christopher Brett Bailey

‘A terrific two-hander. I’d prescribe this show for a bit of short sharp relationship counseling.

- THE SCOTSMAN, * * * *

‘Sebastian Gardner is a truly gifted writer, and one you will want to keep an eye on if your interest is cutting edge theatre.  His dialogue bounces back and forth with unabashed vigour and viewed as a whole, I Lost My Virginity To Chopin’s Nocturne in B-Flat Minor is its own symphony of modern theatre, pulling together all of the elements required for a fascinating and intuitive character study. A searing insight into modern-day relationships.

‘The heated and often distressing confrontation in Act I tells us more about our characters than any other dramatic device could ever hope to achieve. - Theatre Weekly, * * * *

‘There is no point in this show during which you might be tempted to wonder off in thoughts to your own life – you are riveted to the situation unfolding in front of your eyes.’ -SCOTSGAY, * * * *

‘An honest, bitter, and endearing portrayal of modern relationships that throws away any pretence of romanticism to create an original work. A must-see during this year’s fringe.’ - Ed Fringe Review, * * * *

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Contributor Bio

Sebastian Gardner first trained at The Oxford School of Drama, where he was nominated for The Andrew Lloyd Weber Award. He went on to train as an actor, playwright and theatre maker at East 15 Acting School, working under Uri Roodner on the highly accredited Acting and Contemporary Theatre course. During his time at East 15, Gardner represented the school for the Laurence Oliver Award, and later received the John Gielgud award. ‘I Lost my Virginity to Chopin’s Nocturne in B-Flat Minor’ is Gardner’s debut play. Upon its first sharing, ‘Chopin’s Nocturne’ received the ‘King’s Head Theatre Stella Wilkie Award for New Writing’ and ‘China Plate Theatre’s Best Debut Play’. The play was developed with performances at The New Wolsey, Ipswich and The King’s Head Theatre before booking a run with Pleasance at Edinburgh Fringe in 2019. It later debuted at The Playground Theatre in August 2021, followed by a regional tour with Oxford Playhouse, Edge Theatre Manchester and Phoenix Arts Centre Hampshire.

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