OG Crush is a love story, but far from traditional in the usual sense – and the end result is far from a traditional performance, blurring lines between genres with ease, pulling from music, theatre, and personal narrative to create something entirely unique and hard to categorise.
If you’re not embedded in online culture, some of the finer points of OG Crush might go over your head, but you probably won’t care as you’re whirled into the captivating, colourful world it creates. The Drawing Room at Assembly Rooms plays host to a modern love story, begun in the DMs of a meme page, yet still as romantic as any classic tale – just through a distinctly 21st-century lens.
It’s impossible to escape the internet nowadays and performer Willing doesn’t shy away from the conundrum of finding both companionship and chaos online. The highs and lows are navigated with a skilful hand, helped along by a remarkable voice and raw talent on stage. There’s heartbreak and a tangible sense of longing throughout, giving emotional weight to a performance that could otherwise feel abstract – but is now made deeply personal.
Willing’s vocals in particular are breathtaking to behold, with a range not many can lay claim to. You could get lost in the musical journeys, even if there wasn’t a captivating story to tell at the same time.
While it’s not all sunshine on rainbows on-stage with Willing, 0G Crush does leave you feeling uplifted. The pace may leave you slightly shell-shocked, but if you can get stuck into the environment that Willing is trying to create, then you’re in for a rewarding and thought-provoking ride.
Held later in the evening at 9.50pm, OG Crush is the ideal late-night show, with music to keep you buzzing and ideas to keep you talking long after the lights are up.
