Undoubtedly, the ability of Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, to draw in a crowd would be accurately reflected by the timing. The question was whether he could rally a significant number of people for a town hall-style political event – scheduled for 7.30 pm on a Tuesday, in a beach resort in Essex, right in the core of his rebellious campaign.
The proof came when a five-minute walk from Clacton railway station revealed two considerable queues — one for ticket-holders, and another for non-ticket holders — snaking out from the Princes Theatre’s front entrance. Boasting a capacity for more than 820 individuals, the theatre was already crammed full.
Ordinarily, the theatre plays host to acts including an ’80s Live’ tribute band and Dreamboys: Stripped Back, a group of brawny strip dancers advertising their forthcoming performance at the Princes the following month. However, that Tuesday it welcomed the man who was recently elected, via an online survey by a website encouraging illicit affairs, as the UK’s most attractive politician.
Dr. David Bull, the medically trained former Brexit Party MEP presently the deputy leader for Reform, warmed up the crowd in the charming, historic theatre. Bull claimed that the country was on the brink of collapse, primarily due to the stress of immigration. The audience responded enthusiastically, endorsing this basic yet increasingly favoured explanation for the country’s woes.
Then came the grand arrival of Farage. He entered from the back of the venue, making his way down the stairs to an ecstatic reception and through a flurry of extended hands to an Eminem soundtrack. Comparably to those seen on the I’m A Celebrity Television show, which boosted Farage’s celebrity status, two large sparkler fireworks announced his appearance on stage. Evidently, tolerating snakes was not the only skill he acquired from the show.
A group of brawny security personnel were stationed throughout the venue and close to the stage to prevent a recurrence of prior disturbances, like the recent incident where Farage was splattered with a milkshake near a Clacton pub. The security measures at the Princes Theatre were stringent, with the press not even allowed to carry water bottles, all of which were seized upon entry. One journalist even had their bag of crisps confiscated.
As a speaker, Farage exhibited his slightly ostentatious Carry On persona, masterfully manipulating the crowd’s reactions, prompting a sea of humorous jeering and applause as his well-rehearsed speech proceeded. His declarations of being their political champion were met with widespread applause, complaints about the BBC and the inept Tories were met with unanimous boos, and his attribution of all problems to immigration and the necessity to halt it was greeted with a chorus of cheers.
Onstage, Farage introduced four once-Tory councillors to the crowd, announcing that Jeff Bray, Peter Harris, Richard Everett, and James Codling had all recently joined Reform. He then answered a smattering of gentle questions from the crowd, chosen at random from a bucket as though at a political tombola. The event concluded with Farage signing autographs for those in the crowd who were allowed to move closer to the stage. Regardless of any other qualities he may possess, it cannot be denied that Farage is a master performer.
Later, near Clacton pier, past the amusement arcades and outside the Moon and Starfish pub, where Farage had been targeted with a milkshake not long ago, a few attendees congregated. Two men, Adam Green and Phil Taylor, both from Essex, sat with Reform posters leaning against their table. Both firmly believed that Farage would serve as a superior MP for their region than the current Tory incumbent, Giles Watling, who is trying to hold on to his seat amidst Reform’s advances.
Green, a Brexit supporter and a native of the Essex town of Weeley, praised Farage for his intelligence and reliability, stating, “I trust him more than those Eton boys,” and vowing never to support the Tories again.
Taylor expressed a rather opposite view on Brexit but still believed that Farage would serve as an effective Member of Parliament for their mutual hometown constituency of Clacton-on-Sea. “We can’t possibly concur on everything, including Brexit,” he acknowledged.
Despite this, recent surveys show Farage with a substantial lead in Clacton, placing him as the frontrunner to secure the Parliamentary seat come 4th of July. That said, it’s still quite a lively competition with three main contenders. Jovan Owusu-Nepaul, from the Labour Party, still holds a potential wildcard to clinch a surprise victory, provided Farage and Watling’s votes splinter.
However, if Farage’s fervent supporters are able to translate their show of support from Princes Theatre to the ballot booths of this coastal town, the result will undoubtedly swing in his favour.