Cowboys and Lesbians is a delightfully funny play with two actors and two storylines- one about two teenage girls, the other about the parody of a western film story they are writing. The play flits between these two stories.
Produced by Eleanor Birdsall and written by Billie Esplen, Cowboys and Lesbians sees Noa and Nina, played beautifully by Julia Pilkington and Georgia Vyvyan, explore their feelings for each other and fear of being left behind by their peers. Their parody of a western film allows the two actors to play multiple parts which really shows their talents- each character is emphasised by a changed item of clothing and accent, but Pilkington and Vyvyan are able to easily embody these characters.
The characters of Nina and Noa are sweet, awkward, and somewhat innocent; their journey is a touching one to follow throughout the play. In comparison, the characters of Carter and Esmeralda, the protagonists of the cowboy half of the play, are dramatic and confident.
Cowboys and Lesbians is both comedic and touching. The satirising of western films that Nina and Noa write allows them to explore their own relationship and feelings in a clever way of tracing this story.
The script manages to feel immediately familiar with the tropes and clichés that are used, mainly for the cowboy plot line but also for the stereotype of the two teenage girls. The characters fit into what we know – exaggerated mannerisms and personalities, but touching and meaningful. This is a really impressive balance to strike.
The real life side of Cowboys and Lesbians has some classic laugh-out-loud moments of two young women discovering their sexuality, including some clichés that are not yet overdone enough to not be funny. Jokes land well with the audience, showing the play knows exactly who its target audience is.
What really makes Cowboys and Lesbians is a few scenes towards the end which bring the two halves together. We get to see the characters of the real life story and the cowboy story interact which provides some touching and interesting moments.
Cowboys and Lesbians is a beautifully funny and touching play that is cleverly done and leaves the audience feeling pure joy. Cowboys, lesbians and anyone who enjoys theatre will have a great time at Cowboys and Lesbians.
Cowboys and Lesbians is at Pleasance Dome at 1.35pm until 27 August.
Image provided to The Student as press material.