The Dandy's Last Headline (5)

Posted by Mad_Monk on Fri 18 Jun 10, 12:05 AM to Mad_Monk's blog.

Ah, Sebastian...

You could be an irritating poseur (in public) but the world will be a greyer place without you. My thoughts are with those that you left behind.

From - The Society of London Theatre, the trade association for the London theatre industry

Soho Dandy Horsley found dead

17 Jun 2010.

Artist, writer and Soho resident Sebastian Horsely has been found dead in his Soho flat just days after Dandy In The Underworld, a new play based on Horsley's autobiography, premiered at the Soho theatre.

Horsley, who courted controversy when he was voluntarily crucified in 2002 to prepare himself for a new art project on the subject, attended the opening night of Tim Fountain's play on Tuesday, where he seemed in high spirits, waving to friends as he waited for the premiere.

It is being reported, however, that seeing the production may have affected the former addict, who is quoted by the Evening Standard saying, after the show, “I knew I was obnoxious, but I never knew how much.” It is said that he had been off drugs for a number of months before his death, which is currently being reported as a suspected heroin overdose.

Speaking about Horsley, playwright Fountain said: “Sebastian in print and Sebastian in person were two very different people. The real man was one of the sweetest, kindest, funniest people I ever had the privilege of meeting. But as Sebastian himself always said, he was hard wired for extremes, and extreme ways of living bring with them great risks as well as rewards. I'm devastated.”

Soho theatre has confirmed that as a mark of respect, tonight's performance of Dandy In The Underworld has been cancelled, adding: “Over the past six months whilst the play was being developed we all worked closely with Sebastian and struck up a deep affection for the man behind the public persona. It was a privilege to work with, and get to know this extraordinary man.”

Performances will continue tomorrow.

Show:Dandy In The Underworld showing at: Soho Theatre

box Office: 020 7478 0100

Replies

18 Jun 10, 2:20 AM Rounded_With_An_Edge UK(WC), 5 yrs	Yes, a sad loss. His hedonistic desires are something that i could well relate to in all ways (Apart from the nailing to the cross). The class A's, the cheap nasty crack whores, those taboo & sordid pleasures that lead to ruin. I hope his passing away was all he thought it would be, for he left a legacy behind, and a smile on my face of recognition. R.I.P. x
18 Jun 10, 5:36 AM MizzScarlett UK, 4 yrs	RIP Sebastian Horsley ... they broke the mould, didn't they? PS Anyone remember his short-lived sex advice column in the Observer? Co-written with Marion McBride and called S&M?
18 Jun 10, 5:24 PM Mad_Monk UK(BH), 4 yrs	I enjoyed his 'Sewer Life' column in Rowan Pelling's Erotic Review magazine (when it was worth reading). I shall drop her a line and see if there are any plans to publish a collection now that he has moved on to his next project. I met him a few times - introduced by a mutual. The first time I was treated to the full spectacle but at quieter venues I found him to be gentle, witty and extraordinarily well informed. We discussed Grünewald's 'Crucifixion' and the brutal authenticity of the work. He was truly 'the candle that burned twice as bright'. "He took a single sip of her pain and found it exquisite"
21 Jun 10, 11:31 PM Sadistia UK(NG), 10 yrs	Thanks for posting this. Sad. Sx
28 Jun 10, 11:27 PM Dapper_Dom 2 yrs	Although I was aware of his death I didn't notice this weblog until now. I would just like to pay a little respect. Hence this belated reply.