REVIEW: BLOOD, SWEAT and VAGINAS by Paul David at Jack Studio Theatre 17 – 21 Sept 2024

‘brave and affecting one woman show’ ★★★★

Carolann is lost. She finds herself stranded in that island called middle age, suddenly disconnected from those around her where nothing makes much sense anymore. As well as an unfaithful partner, dull job, and teenage daughter from whom she feels increasingly distanced, her body is in fierce revolt, gripped by the chemical chaos of perimenopause.

As Carolann seeks an escape from the metaphorical island, her journey takes her on a voyage of self-discovery. Armed with primrose oil, St John’s Wort, and HRT patches, she starts to engage with her friends and neighbours on many levels. She takes her sexuality out of retirement. She puts on her razzle and enters the Bad Bitches nightclub where a whole world opens.

This brave and affecting one woman show, written and performed by actor, poet, singer songwriter and playwright, Paula David manages to convey so much physicality and emotion in seventy minutes, you leave feeling as though you’ve travelled into another woman’s soul. With no holds barred and fully utilising the full gamut of song, dance, physical theatre and acting, we go the whole arc from desperation to delight.

Skilfully directed by Olusola Oyeleye and cleverly designed by Phil Newman, it’s a spare, black box production with creative use of lighting and sound to herald the arrival of another discombobulating hot flush. Alongside vignettes of action that rise and fall, are bursts of David’s powerful singing voice which contrast with her softly, spoken voice. Poetic interludes are spaced through the narrative which gives the play both space and texture.

Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause were once minimised and glibly referred to as ‘the change.’ But now a greater awareness of the impact this has on women’s lives has seen changes in workplace culture and the law. This play adds weight and expression to this uniquely female experience. It also challenges the stereotype and trope of ‘strong, black woman’ with vulnerability, nuance, and ‘Fleabag’ like asides.

Blood, Sweat and Vaginas contains a fair spread of adult content and the age guidance of 16+ feels right. Ultimately, Blood, Sweat and Vaginas is an uplifting account of one person’s journey to self-actualisation and freedom on her own terms. 

Any woman who has experienced this physiological maelstrom will tell you menopause is drama. And here it is.

BLOOD, SWEAT and VAGINAS at Jack Studio Theatre 17 – 21 Sept 2024

written and performed by Paula David

Box Office: https://brockleyjack.co.uk/jackstudio-entry/blood-sweat-and-vaginas/

directed by Olusola Oyeleye

designed by Phil Newman

A production by The Write Network in association with Ariya