In a dramatic departure from typical festival performances, Chappell Roan transformed the Reading Festival stage into an abandoned gothic castle on August 22, 2025, creating an immersive theatrical experience that captivated audiences. The stage featured a large storybook projection behind the band, while green lighting flashes enhanced the eerie atmosphere. Roan’s entrance, preceded by a haunting film score, set the tone for the dark gothic fairytale that would unfold.
Costumed in a striking black veil and unique bat-wing fascinator crafted by designers Alexander Cole and James Nguyen, Roan embodied the gothic aesthetic that permeated the performance. Her attire, utilizing luxurious fabrics including taffeta, velvet, and crystal embellishments in dark burgundy and black, marked a significant shift from her previous butterfly and fairy-inspired looks. Longtime director Genesis Webb oversaw the styling, which effectively reinforced the narrative tone throughout.
Roan’s bat-wing fascinator and burgundy-black ensemble signaled a theatrical metamorphosis from fairy queen to gothic enchantress.
The musical performance opened with “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” following the cinematic introduction, launching into what critics described as a “non-stop” sequence of high-energy songs. Throughout her set, Roan seamlessly transitioned through various songs including the fan favorites “Casual” and “The Subway”. Roan, leading a mixed-gender band, maintained audience engagement despite some sound quality issues reported by fans positioned away from center stage. The extensive pre-show soundcheck proved crucial for managing the complex theatrical elements while still delivering a cohesive musical performance. The show’s audio design incorporated sweeping filters to create underwater-like vocals during key transitions, adding another layer of atmospheric depth to the gothic narrative.
The setlist, part of her Visions of Damsels & Other tour, included a personal dedication during a cover song to Roan’s ex, adding emotional depth to the theatrical presentation. Festival attendees noted that Roan’s performance made the event feel “the most alive” it had been all day.
The crowd, composed primarily of young fans described as enthusiastic but relatively well-behaved, responded enthusiastically to the smoke effects and costume reveals that punctuated the performance. The headline set at Richfield Avenue drew over 70 artists and performers to the venue, creating an unprecedented festival atmosphere. Social media posts praised the set’s “moooooovie” quality, emphasizing how the gothic castle motif and dark fantasy elements created a uniquely immersive experience that elevated the concert beyond standard festival fare, ultimately overshadowing the less coordinated celebrity appearances at the event.
