Disrupting the Everyday is the overarching project led by Matt Morrison and Guy Osborn (collectively operating as Disruptive Events) that pays homage to the original spirit of the Soho Poly , a space originally re-discovered by Matt Morrison and reinvigorated with the help of Guy Osborn, and uses popular culture to enliven and enrich our everyday experiences. The project challenges ideas of time and space, and attempts to help widen and democratise popular culture.
Events under this umbrella have, so far, included a series of readings and events relating to the rich theatrical history of the Soho Poly space, funded by the Being Human Festival and Westminster’s own Difference festival and ghost gigs using found sounds, where live performances are re-imagined and recreated via lunchtime playbacks.
Martin Stephenson live at Soho Poly
This is a recording of Martin Stephenson performing live in the Soho Poly, the first gig in the space for almost fifty years. This was part of the Being Human 2019 Festival. The video is introduced by Guy Osborn.
Pop and Politics at PCL
This event was part of Being Human 2019. The event included a talk on the musical history of the University, focusing in part on the concerts that were benefits for various political causes. Alex Hancock, who had helped research the history along with Guy Osborn, and Anna McNally from the Archives performed a set as homage to the artists that had performed.
The date of the event also marked the anniversary of the late Pete Shelley (Buzzcocks) turning up unannounced and playing a set for our students who were occupying our Regent Street headquarters. Alex's set starts with a medley of Pete Shelley and Buzzcocks songs.
New Order Poster
Promotional poster for ‘ghost gig’ at University of Westminster on 6 December 2018
The Soho Poly Project
The entrance to the Soho Poly on Riding House Street, c1980. Image courtesy of University of Westminster archives.