Spotlight on Artist Residencies: Introducing Xnthony

Tell us a bit about yourself and your work:
I’m Xnthony, a writer and artist whose work dives into the intersection of pop culture, queerness, and performance. My projects often blur the line between entertainment and critique, using humor, music, and storytelling to explore bigger cultural ideas. I’ve worked in cabaret and club scenes, but my focus is now on creating accessible, commercially viable work that still pushes boundaries. My latest project, Troll Farm, feels like a creative leap forward while also bringing me back to my roots. It taps into a more performance-art-driven approach…collaborative, a bit wacky, and full of experimentation. With this project, I’m less focused on commercial viability and more interested in exploring bold, unconventional ideas that tickle me.

Tell us about the idea you’re exploring as part of the residency. Who are you working with?
Troll Farm is about the dark side of pop culture, propaganda, and manipulation. It follows a shadowy organisation that manufactures a K-pop-esque group to spread propaganda, but the cracks in their perfect image begin to show. The work merges sharp social commentary with the sparkle of pop music and choreography. It’s intense, ridiculous, and immersive. I’m collaborating with a stellar team, including choreographer Sarah Blanc and the amazing Lucy McCormack. These brilliant creative women will no doubt bring something special to the work.

What are your inspirations/influences?
As a kid, I was obsessed with pop music. Madonna was a huge influence, not just for her music but for how she used visuals to create entire worlds around her work. Kate Bush was another icon for me, her ability to combine music with deeply theatrical, surreal performance left a big impression. She also, and I love this, was able to hone in on strange individual stories that really inspires me to be specific in my writing and to allow the weird to creep in. I’m fascinated by large-scale commercial entertainment behemoths like The Lion King. I love how these massive productions bring people together, there’s room for everything in my practice, from high-gloss pop to experimentation, intimate cabaret moments.

What’s been the best theatre show/music gig you’ve attended in the past 12 months and why?
A curve ball…my partner’s nephew was cast in the Glasgow King’s Theatre Panto…and I have to say I have never been a fan of Pantos. Even the concept gives me chills. However…this was so exceptional. The performances…the writing…it was an example of exceptional talent. And my nephew was brilliant, which goes without saying. Again…it had some hard edges which I enjoyed…but it was so well made too. Not a penny spared.

What are you watching?
I am terrible for falling into Youtube holes. I watch hours of videos on gaming and baking…baking and gaming. It never ends. And I love it.

What are you listening to?
Allie X – a brilliant Canadian Pop singer…often overlooked. A big reference for Troll Farm. Check out her song Weird World. Very that.

What are you reading?
I famously struggle to read past the first chapter of any book…it’s an ADHD thing apparently. On a good night I’ll read an article or two in the New Statesman. Cuz I’m a smarty pants!