I love theatre.  I think I’ve mentioned on here before that I try and see as much theatre as I can.  This particularly applies to musicals.  Therefore, when I got the chance to see a new show called What the Feminist?!*, I was incredibly intrigued.

What Is It?

What the Feminist?!  is a brand new musical exploring feminism and “taking down the patriarchy one song at a time”.  It is a brand new production, created and performed by a small theatre company formed of LAMDA alumni.  Also, it promises to be a lot of laughs.

I went in with no expectations because, I knew nothing about the play in advance other than the title and genre.  However, expectations or no expectations, I was thoroughly impressed.  It’s essentially a collection of different scenarios, with each scene tackling a different situation or feminist issue.  Many scenes took place in different styles.  This ranged from:

• A documentary-style scene tackling a “typical lad” in his natural habitat chatting up a girl,
• An awkward boss not knowing whether to shake a girls hand due to all these new movements
• A rap battle between a stay at home mum and a family-less business woman.
• Some extremely sex-shaming sex education teachers

And many, many more.

The Reality of the Music

Most scenes were comedic in their hyperbole and yet still so relatable to real life situations that most of us have experienced.  What the Feminist?!  most definitely succeeded in drawing attention to the ludicrous nature of gender inequality.

The play had the perfect balance of witty and uncomfortable moments.  There were songs with powerful, upfront messages, as well as many with thought provoking messages, making us question everyday situations.  They played with musical genres from rap, to cabaret, to lively numbers, each with its own bold, sarcastic flare.  I was hooked from the first song (Aptly named ‘What The Feminist’).  In fact, every time the cast performed as a whole, my friend and I both found ourselves hoping that it wasn’t the final song, and there was more to come.

The Layers

What I found particularly amazing is how intelligently crafted their 45 minute musical comedy was.  Feminism is such a weighted issue, and yet in 45 minutes they managed to cover intersectionality, how men are affected too, LGBTQ involvement, rape culture, how feminism extends to politics and the #metoo movement.  It was anything but a basic interpretation of feminism.  I was amazed that they managed to fit so much in to such a short play.

What’s Next For Them?

I could really see this production going far and I really hope that it does.  The whole time I was watching, I thought about how so many people could benefit from seeing a show like this.  It seemed so lighthearted and as an audience we were constantly laughing.  Yet, we received so much vital information.

The Bits and Bobs theatre company have got a real gem on their hands.  I wish them so much luck in turning this into something truly amazing that even more people are able to see.

Where Can I See it?!

Unfortunately, I’m publishing this on the day of their last London run.  However, they are going to be performing at Edinburgh Fringe!  So, if you have a chance to check them out I strongly recommend that you do.  You won’t be disappointed.  I am going to leave links to all their social media below so you can find updates of their progress…  Trust me, they’re worth the follow.

I am so happy that I saw this play.  And I hope that more people get a chance to in the future.

 

Does this sound like something you’d want to see?  Let me know your own opinions in the comments.

Lots of love,

Jas xx

Their details:

• Facebook: bitsnbobstc
• Instagram: @bitsnbobstc
• Twitter: @bitsnbobstc

 

BLOGLOVIN’ |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE