Endometriosis: The Musical is a show that needs little introduction with a concept that is announced in its very name. In an hour’s time, the show is an empowering, sparkling, smash hit that dissects endometriosis through appropriately sharp, off-beat comedy.
We follow Jane Smith, whose career-launching big business pitch is up-ended by a bout of excruciating period pain — the audience thrown headfirst into her tremendously difficult, enduring journey towards receiving a proper diagnosis.
The musical fuses its laugh-out-loudness with vulnerability well, a cohesive collaboration of many moving parts that is precise, finely tuned, exciting with delight after delight. Miraculous direction makes astonishing use of its cast, who blend word-wise, physical, and corporate comedy with vigour and hilarity. Each performance carried outstanding versatility and dedication, showcasing an expansive acting range bringing to life uteruses, a literal “Aunt Flo,” office caricatures, and more.
However, with such an extravagant variety of personas the show was at times excessive in melodrama, and boasting too much millennial humour; calling periods “Pussy Porridge” may have been too cringey for some audience members. It would have benefitted the show to lean into its quieter moments, during which we could have witnessed our protagonist process her trauma without the intrusion of others, spotlighting aspects of alienation alongside highlighted solidarity and collective power.
Nonetheless, the show expertly used dark comedy to encapsulate the absurd ways in which women’s reproductive health are relentlessly shamed, downplayed, and ignored. Writers Maria Bartholdi and Kristin Stowell, both living with endometriosis, further advocated and presented the opportunity to meet with researchers Endo 1000 post-performance — a testament to how the production never lost sight of its objective, captivating our attention all while portraying its urgent themes with vital respect and ensuring the result was grounded in lived experiences.
Overall, Endometriosis: The Musical is truly a passionate, radiant endeavour, exerting a fine balance between intelligent comedy and educational storytelling; a show infused with honesty, humour, and most importantly care throughout. I would highly suggest you take yourself down to Gilded Balloon Patter House for this spectacular feat, and avoid your “missed opportunity” in catching this show.
Endometriosis: The Musical is running until 31 August (not 24) at Doonstairs at Gilded Balloon Patter House. Buy tickets here.
Image credit to Maria Bartholdi.
