1 Tent, 4 Girls Review

Reviewed by Emily for Theatre and Tonic.

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

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Following huge success at the Edinburgh Fringe, Talkers & Doers theatre company’s 1 Tent, 4 Girls comes to South West London for a short run. The show centres around a group of friends, Sam, Rosa and Ruby, as they head to Wales on a camping trip. Feathers are ruffled when the girls learn that Ruby has invited her new girlfriend, Lily, to join the trip, adding to the drama and chaos that follows.

As we enter New Wimbledon Theatre’s Studio space to the sound of lashing rain, the four young women are already on stage. Eye make-up smudged and looking disgruntled and worn out, to say the least, it is clear all may not have gone to plan on this camping trip. Having the actors in the space before the play begins helps set the tone for the rest of the piece, whilst leaving us wondering what could have led them to that point. 

Through the course of the show, the group dynamics and relationships are explored, although this is somewhat overshadowed by frequent bickering and disagreements. The cast works well together and each actor brings with them high energy that never wavers. Despite the plot being a little thin, the bold performances provide entertainment and laughter throughout. Alice Bebber as the troubled, highly anxious, yet endearing, Rosa, brings much of the comedy, but all actors contribute to it and prove themselves as strong performers. 

The girls have ventured to picturesque Wales in the hope of enjoying a fun trip away together, but a storm and tent made for 8 year olds leads to it being anything but. Post-graduation anxieties, turbulent love lives and an unwelcomed shift in group dynamics only adds to the chaos and fallouts. Overall, this is an entertaining show, portraying the apprehensions and vulnerabilities of young women with humour and honesty. 

At New Wimbledon Theatre Studio until 13 April

★ ★ ★