What is punk? It’s more than just music—it’s a movement. Born in the 1970s, punk was a gritty, snarling backlash against the establishment, a DIY rebellion that spat in the face of conformity. So when a show comes along aiming to celebrate that ethos, you’d hope it stays true to those roots.

Ironically, Punk Off didn’t quite get to call itself that at first. In true anti-establishment fashion, the show was originally titled Pretty Vacant, a clear nod to the Sex Pistols. But somewhere in a back room, a cease-and-desist was apparently issued, and the name had to be changed. The result? Lost merch, scrapped materials, and a financial hit for the organisers. If this really did come from the Pistols camp, it’s a bit rich—Filthy Lucre, indeed.

Still, the name may have changed, but the spirit stayed intact.

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The Show: Narrated Punk Theatre with a Twist

Walking into the Ipswich Regent, I expected something like Blood Brothers set to a punk soundtrack—a dramatic story intertwined with rebellious music. What we got was more of a rock theatre revue: a live band playing punk and new wave staples, with dancers interpreting the era, and actor Kevin Kennedy (aka Curly Watts from Coronation Street) guiding us through a timeline of social unrest, rebellion, and transformation.

And it worked.

Once you adjusted your expectations, it became clear this was more than a simple tribute act. The band wasn’t just replicating classics—they were reinterpreting them, weaving them into medleys and delivering high-energy performances. Songs like Anarchy in the UK, London Calling, Teenage Kicks, and Love Will Tear Us Apart were brought back to life with fresh energy. The musicians were tight and confident, blending punk attitude with musical discipline. The dancers added flair—first channelling pogo-punk aesthetics, then shifting into new wave interpretive moves that wouldn’t have been out of place in Top of the Pops routines by Pan’s People or Legs & Co.

The whole thing was stylishly chaotic in the best way—fitting for the era it paid tribute to.

Kevin Kennedy Steals the Show

I’ll admit, I had doubts about Kennedy’s casting. But his performance was outstanding. A veteran musician in his own right (he played with Andy Rourke and Johnny Marr in their pre-Smiths days), Kennedy’s narration was informative and compelling. His guitar work added authenticity, and his version of My Way—done in full Sid Vicious fashion—was a show-stealing finale.

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Final Thoughts

The Regent Theatre provided the perfect setting, and our private box added to the night’s enjoyment. I was joined by Neil, Hammy, and Neil’s mate Simon, and we all left with wide grins and ringing ears.

Punk Off was more than a nostalgia trip—it was a love letter to rebellion, with just the right amount of polish to make it sing.