Just three days after the release of their latest EP, Wake Up, Sleepyhead, Colour TV are back with a bang, delivering their latest high-energy gig at the newly renovated Barbican Theatre.
Following the recent closure of the much-loved B-bar, Barbican Theatre have proudly announced a new partnership with Sound Factory, bringing grassroots live music and youth music activity into the heart of Plymouth for local and touring musicians. The space that was once a spot serving Thai cuisine and hosting comedy nights has now been transformed into a perfectly intimate venue for Plymouth’s growing music community, and what better way to celebrate the new partnership than by welcoming the South West’s best post-punk band to perform here.
With Sound Factory as a key partner in Barbican Theatre’s summer events, contributing workshops, creative activity and music performances across the launch of the new venue, Colour TV are the perfect headliners to celebrate the launch; having recently partnered with the pioneering music initiative, as they’ll be a key part of the Sound Factory Festival, on the Main Stage at THÊ DEPØ on Friday 10th July.
Influenced by their friends and surroundings, Colour TV strike an angular and frenetic onstage presence, fronted by Sam Durneen (vocals) alongside Jack Yeo (guitar), James Elliott (bass) and Sean Goldsmith (drums). Since forming as a four-piece in 2020, the band has wasted little time in building a strong repertoire of songs and a loyal fanbase, shown in an abundance of support at each of their gigs, and this was a night like no other.
Upon entering the venue, based in the heart of The Barbican, where it finds its namesake, the cosy venue is already alive, with a buzzing bar and the stage itself, softly lit with the twinkle of fairy lights. Photos of young artists supported by the launch of this grassroots venue adorn the walls, and soon, before we know it, our first act of the night takes to the stage.
Despite being a last-minute stand-in for the previously announced Nick Diver, Colour TV can always rely on the support of their friends and fellow local artists, as we’re treated to a beautiful acoustic set from folk musician Olly Skinner, best known for being the frontman of Odd Socks and 1/4th of The Stone Tape Theory. Whilst the night is young, Ollie takes to the stage with just his guitar in tow, showcasing his songwriting abilities to stellar success, with a series of his originals ranging from On My Knees Again to Alibi, and fan favourite, Golden Touches. Equipped with his top-notch vocal and strumming abilities alongside his guitar and a microphone, there’s not much else he needs to immediately show the growing crowd what a brilliant night we’re all in for.
What’s always a treat when gigs like these are organised in support of Sound Factory South West, who strive to promote and work with artists across the UK, is that the audience is always treated to some sensational support acts before our headliners take to the stage. On a night like tonight, it’s lovely to see all fellow artists around the venue; taking the time to support one another, allowing friends, family and fans alike the time to enjoy their company ahead of their sets. As Ollie ends his time on stage with a beautiful cover of Nick Mulvey’s Cucurucu and blends into the crowd, it’s time for the South West music scene to be set ablaze, with the introduction of Manor Close.
Having recently released their debut single, You & I at the end of February, this is the newly established indie band’s first proper gig, and it’s clear to see just how many of their friends and family have come out in their support. The quartet, made up of Thomas Morgan (acoustic guitar & vocals), Leo Cioffi (electric guitar), Millésime Taylor (electric bass) and Isaac Stephenson (drums), is greeted with a chorus of their fans excitedly hyping them up with the repetition of the band’s name before they take to the stage. Exclusively playing their own material, including a track that’s so new that it’s unnamed, the twinkling fairy lights that light the band are quickly also partnered with the illumination of many phone lights swaying to the beat of their indie tunes, making them feel like real stars.
Playing an array of tracks from Right Address to Can You Feel It?, as soon as their debut single is played, the crowd erupts into getting the party atmosphere started, in a massive performance that is bound to skyrocket their professional careers, having recently been played on BBC Introducing on BBC Radio Devon. Polishing off our supporting artists perfectly, the amount of energy bouncing off the walls is absolutely electric, as we eagerly await our headliners.
Throughout 2026, Colour TV have gone from strength to strength, with some of their most recent singles already reaching over 1,500 streams on Spotify. With a strong array of gigs already in their repertoire this year, the band keep growing in loyal followers as they’ve not only been selected as one of eight acts selected for Plymouth City Centre New Music 2026, but also recently announced to be playing the Isle of Wight Festival in June, alongside the incredible honour of getting to play at the sold out Y Not Festival in Derbyshire this summer, alongside some of the biggest names in pop-punk, like Scissor Sisters and Two Door Cinema Club.
They’re absolutely taking the South West music scene by storm, and all in attendance, feel lucky to be in their presence tonight. Securing a spot at the barrier, I catch a glimpse of Sam’s thirteen-strong setlist and already know we’re in for an absolutely amazing rest of the evening ahead of us. Taking it back to 2022 with one of their older hits, they establish their stage presence within seconds, as the familiar sounds of electric guitar begin to reverberate through the walls with the opening riff of Wherever You Need. With this song being a rarer one to appear in recent sets, long-term fans are immediately excited, and first time listeners' ears prick up as they’re drawn back closer to the stage.
The energy created by Colour TV is always unmatched, but tonight, they were at their peak of excellence. In an exhibition of live music at its best, complete with Sam’s alluring stage presence, the crowd are completely alive as we enjoy a masterclass of how to headline in a brand new venue.
In arguably the best live gig I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing, we’re taken through the eras of the band’s incredible repertoire, spanning from the brand new in Apocalypse, heard live for the first time, to unreleased material with If You Chose Me For President, He Plays Guitar and La La Life Could Be Easy to their latest singles with the beautiful (Still We Share The Stars) and Wake Up, Sleepyhead.
With the newer singles, we’re treated to a glimmer of what’s next to come for Colour TV, but it’s always lovely to see older singles being played live again too; with Billy Pilgrim (from the 2021 EP, Is That You) and the forever iconic Pavlova (from the 2022 EP, How To Ask) having the support of the crowd’s vocals too. Throughout their set, all of the band have an incredible way of connecting with the packed out audiences, and it’s a pleasure to not only see how those in attendance react to what’s being played, but seeing how much the band enjoy playing these tracks too.
The evening concluded with an encore of a sensational rendition of For Belugas, a slower ballad that had everyone swaying along to the beat. In a beautiful celebration of live music, family and friendship, those within the front row of the stage were invited up on stage with them as they played the final bars of the track, with myself included - an utterly beautiful way to celebrate some of the best live music our Ocean City has to offer. With their two most recent tracks discussing the theme of urban loneliness, we feel a real sense of belonging amongst fellow fans as the crowd sing their hearts out and sway to the ethereal beat, complete with frontman Sam simply announcing “We’ve been Colour TV, thank you!” and blending off into the crowd. What an incredible moment to be a part of, and to celebrate their biggest gig of 2026 so far.
I look forward to returning to this new venue soon and seeing what’s next for all of these acts in the year ahead, particularly with the announcement of both Colour TV and Olly Skinner’s announcements in partnership with Plymouth City Centre New Music 2026. Ensure that you don’t miss their next announced gigs by following @colourtvofficial on Instagram and securing your tickets for the Morvala Festival of Arts at Mount Edgcumbe this June, where they’ll be playing at Fozzy’s Lounge on Saturday 27th June.
Words by - Holly Wigmore
Pictures by - Issey Rita