REVIEW: NEVERNATAL by Freya Magee at the Hen and Chickens Theatre until 28 July

‘sparky comedy with feminist fun’ ★★★ 1/2

In this semi-autobiographical comedy, Nevernatal invites audiences to Isabelle’s (Freya Magee) mother-of-all baby showers, which for her best friend Catherine, is her worst nightmare.

When everyone in their sight appears to be getting married and having babies, Catherine, through a hangover, wonders if people can stay friends when they move further and further away from each other; literally and figuratively.

Childfree writer and performer, Freya Magee, explores the coming-of-age genre but for someone in their 30s; hitting and passing the 'milestones' and learning to value others' goals and objectives. It's a great premise and although the baby shower setting restricts its actors and circumstances, this was always going to be about the cast's chemistry and ability to keep up with each other's comedic timing. With themes of carbon footprint, birth and friendships, the show tackles perhaps a few too many themes at times, but has a great time taking them all on head on with its hilarious characters.

The show was previously at Melbourne Fringe Festival in 2019 to sold out performances and great reviews, and since moving to the UK, the script has undergone some adapting and changes from director Charlotte Cattrall. What did the Melbourne show look like one does wonder.

As a debut piece of writing, Magee excels at characterisation, sense of pacing and comic timing. This is a sparky comedy with feminist and fun values at its heart.

Nevernatal by Freya Magee

The Hen and Chickens Theatre

14 – 28 July

Box Office http://www.unrestrictedview.co.uk/nevernatal/

 Cast

Catherine - Jadene Renée Prospere

Isabelle - Charlotte Cattrall

Georgina - Candice Price

Maggie - Lucy Renton

Willow - Flora Ogilvy
Crew

Director - Charlotte Cattrall

Writer/producer - Freya Magee

Reviewed by Emma Zadow