Inkubus Sukkubus @ The Puppet Theatre
No ordinary performance.
Norwich, never content with doing things the same way as everyone else, played host to an unusual gig this evening. Gothic Pagan band Inkubus Sukkubus were playing, but it was no ordinary performance. The band was the finale to the Harvest Moon festival, a Pagan event held in the Puppet Theatre every year, and as such the show took on an unmistakable energy. Split into two sets, one acoustic and one plugged in, the show gave the band a chance to perform a multitude of songs from their very extensive back catalogue. They had even brought copies of their new album, which had arrived only the day before. The acoustic set was folky and mystical, with a faery backdrop projected behind the threesome. Front woman Candia wore a crown of feathers and bare feet, drinking from a chalice in between songs, every bit the poster image of a pagan princess. Young Lovers, Corn King and the apt Pagan Born were among the tracks performed unplugged, before the band changed outfits for the electric set. Corset donned they launched into Vampire Erotica, a firm favourite, and the audience leaped out of their red velvet seats and onto the dance floor. The atmosphere was electric as they performed Dark Angel, The Goat and their version of Paint It Black before being called back for an unplanned encore.
It’s always reassuring at niche events of this kind in Norwich to see the gothic and pagan community turnout in force. It was also thought provoking that a Pagan event should be held in an old church. A church filled with puppets no less.
