'Marlon's a Jew. This didn't bother him much until he discovered that some people he knew didn't believe the Holocaust happened...'
After encountering people who genuinely felt that the Holocaust was fictitious propaganda, Marlon Solomon felt compelled to look into the murky world of conspiracy theories. The resulting show is a humorous and contentious journey that guides the audience through shocking views on subjects such as 9/11, shape-shifting lizards and Holocaust denial. It's is a darkly comic tale of one man's journey through the conspiracy underworld.
In the show, Marlon explores why conspiracy theories are more popular than ever and how fake news gives fresh currency to ancient slander. This performance examines the seductive nature of an off-the-wall story.
I ask Marlon why he thinks we are susceptible to an unlikely yarn... "Conspiracy theories are empowering" he responds "As an example: if we know that there's a small, shadowy cabal of people, secretly orchestrating every significant event that we see, but we know we're part of only a select group of people who've been clever enough to figure this out, then it empowers us. It brings instant meaning and narrative to quite a chaotic and uncaring universe.
"Conspiracies theories are also informed by our prejudices and biases, which play a huge role, and it is this aspect that the show focuses on" he explains "On a broader level, most people believe at least one conspiracy theory and this taps in to humanities' innate desire for storytelling. Listening, telling and retelling stories. Playwright David Mamet frames conspiracy theories in this light, he says, 'We will have our story before bed'..."
The tone is inclusive and is without derogatory sneers. In fact, Marlon uses his own experiences to discuss how we can all easily fall down the conspiracy rabbit-hole...
"Well, I used to be into conspiracy theories myself, when I was younger, which I talk about in the show" he reveals "I suppose you could call me a born-again sceptic."
Although we live in an age where the daft opinions of 'the bloke down the pub' can be instantly debunked by anyone with a smart phone, it's clear that the internet hasn't halted the spread of wild narratives. In fact the web is a breeding ground for all kinds of curiosities - take a look at the Flat Earth Society's website.
I ask Marlon if he has any favourite conspiracy theories..."I've encountered many bizarre conspiracy theories" he says "...That Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is really Saw for kids; that the moon is a secret space station tethered to earth by inter-dimensional aliens who use it as a base to control the planet...But my particular favourite is that the prominent conspiracy theorist David Icke - famous for believing the world is run by shape-shifting lizards - is actually 'controlled opposition' - a CIA plant installed to discredit serious conspiracy theorists. Lots of people believe this."
Conspiracy Theory: A Lizard's Tale is a new, improved and updated version of the highly acclaimed show that premiered at last year's Greater Manchester Fringe Festival.
Marlon describes the show as, "a darkly comic tale of my year-long journey through the conspiracy underworld. Tracing the historical roots of contemporary conspiracism and exploring why people believe them. It's a multi-media show, told with interactive video, songs and lots of humour."
Conspiracy Theory: A Lizard's Tale
Thursday 26th-Sunday 29th July
53: two
8 Albion Street Manchester M1 5NZ
All performances are at 7pm with an extra matinee at 4pm on Saturday 28th.
Tickets £6/£9 – click here to book
Words by Ian Leslie
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