I wouldn’t ordinarily see a play at Edinburgh Fringe, but amongst all the stand up this was one of the best decisions of my Fringe experience. I’ll have what she’s having is an absolute must see.
Victoria and Jess are two old school friends who are both trying to convince each other and themselves that their very different lives are perfect; exactly what and how they want. Through the next hour, the audience is taken on a beautifully constructed journey, in fact, an emotional rollercoaster, towards a supremely emotive and evocative crescendo whereby both characters declare “fuck diets, fuck the Kardashians, fuck bikini bodies” and much more.
Basically, from the little things that become expectations in today’s digital society to the oppressive pressure bestowed upon women from youth to old age, fuck this. It’s an extremely powerful message that everyone needs to hear. This play demonstrates, not to just to women, that today’s selfie culture is dangerous: you might want what others around have, but they are thinking the same. It’s never enough.
I was moved and inspired by the two actors’ ability to fuse emotion and humour, making the point that there are no set rules for life stages and achievements. Their use of props and innovative scene production combined with their sophisticated writing meant that the audience laughing and crying in quick succession. A fantastic play that I hope has a future beyond Edinburgh.
★★★★
I’ll Have What She’s Having is at 12:15 at Assembly George Studio until 27th August. For tickets and more information click here!
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