Theatre of Hate
Papillon, Southampton.
This event is for 18+ and over - No refunds will be issued for under 18s.
More information about Theatre of Hate tickets
Papillon
61 Commercial Road,
Southampton, SO15 1GT
Theatre of Hate was formed in London in 1980, emerging from the ashes of Kirk Brandon's previous punk outfit, The Pack.
Kirk Brandon (vocals/guitar) brought together bassist Stan Stammers (formerly of The Straps and The Epileptics), saxophonist John "Boy" Lennard, guitarist Steve Guthrie, and drummer Luke Rendle (ex-Crisis/The Straps).
The band's name was inspired by the French theatre theorist Antonin Artaud, particularly his concept of the Theatre of Cruelty. Brandon wanted to provoke an emotional, almost theatrical experience in their music - hence "Theatre of Hate."
Early Years and Breakthrough
Their first single, "Original Sin" b/w "Legion", was released in November 1980 and reached No. 5 on the UK Indie Chart.
They gained a strong reputation as a live act early on.
In 1981, they released a live album, He Who Dares Wins (Live at the Warehouse Leeds), on their own Burning Rome label.
One of the band's defining moments came with their studio album Westworld, released in 1982. Mick Jones of The Clash produced it.
The album was a major success on the independent scene, topping the UK indie charts for 21 weeks.
Its lead single, "Do You Believe in the Westworld?", became something of an anthem and remains their most recognized track.
Musically, Theatre of Hate blended aggressive post-punk energy with more atmospheric and theatrical elements. Their use of saxophone (played by John Lennard) gave them a distinctive sound unusual for punk-derived bands.
Legacy and Influence
Theatre of Hate are often cited as important in the evolution of post-punk and early gothic rock, partly due to their emotional intensity and theatrical approach.
Their incorporation of saxophone, politically charged lyrics, and live intensity set them apart from many of their contemporaries.
In 2025, they celebrated their 45th anniversary with a UK tour, playing Westworld in full for the first time.