I am a woman. That should probably be enough to make me a feminist, by default. But, I’m not, well, not in the classical sense of the word.
But the Fannytasticals have got me re-thinking that. And I love it. In fact, I think I may now be well on my way to becoming a born-again-feminist having watched their show.
And maybe I rather like it. Because you know, their brand of championing women’s rights and showing men up for the freaky things they do is…very funny and incredibly liberating.
And these ladies are talented. Their clever wit on everyday situations us women go through is on a level only another female can understand. And not only that – they can sing – and they can sing really bloody well.
The skits, sketches and songs were well-rehearsed, well-put-together and well-researched. Insightful observational and at some points awkward comedy is the best way of describing this.
Awkward, because it’s the truth. And while you’re laughing, at the same time, you’re cringing, because if you’re a woman, I challenge you to have not done one of the things they brought up in their show. And most of those were well-below the usual G-string level - which was a refreshing change.
In wonderfully adapted well-known songs they drove home the issues confronting women – covering everything from coming on my own (no pun intended!), to STDs, Disney princesses, not wanting to have kids, the need for making over the “vertical bacon sandwich” (first time I’ve ever heard a noony called this – but there we go), to coming out as a lesbian.
Holds barred? There were none and the show and the audience delighted in this. Needless to say there were very few men in the audience and for those who were there, I’m not sure what they got from it. This truly was an unadulterated and unashamed celebration of being a woman and the trials and tribulations of getting there. What man can understand the first show of a period? What man can understand bending down and being asked “While you’re down there love?” What man can understand the weakening of pelvic floor muscles and the fear of laughter for peeing their pants? These are truly unique female insights that no man can get.
And that’s what makes this show so great. It truly is a feisty festival of female hood – and makes you feel proud of being a woman.
“Love your fanny” was a short skit in the hour-long (didn’t feel that long) show, but it was the platform on which this show hangs. No matter the size of your lips, no matter the fuzz of your muff, no matter the shape of your labia - Women, whatever shape or size you are: Love Yourself.
Reviewer: Samantha Collett
Reviewed: 6th August 2018
North West End Rating: ★★★★★
