Not Your Superwoman, Bush Theatre Review
Letitia Wright and Golda Rosheuvel. Photo: Richard Lakos
Written by Bronagh for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Content warnings and Self Care can be found here
Not Your Superwoman explores the relationship between mother and daughter Joyce (Golda Rosheuvel) and Erica (Letitia Wright). What initially feels Absolutely Fabulous-esque soon takes a turn as we explore their relationship, the shortcomings and trauma haunting both mother and daughter.
We meet Joyce and Erika as they’re boarding a plane to Guyana, returning to the motherland to scatter the ashes of Joyce’s late mum, Elaine. We soon realise how different the pair are, with Joyce taking other peoples’ welcome drinks and Erica just wanting to keep a low profile. We land in sun soaked Guyana, Joyce keen to get drunk and party with Gandhi (the barman, not the activist) whereas Erica is reassessing her relationship with alcohol. Things get a little less Eddie and Saffy, with tensions rising and unresolved issues bubbling to the surface.
Not Your Superwoman truly is a remarkable production, with outstanding performances from Rosheuvel and Wright. Comedic timing is on point for both actors with plenty of laugh out loud moments throughout the first twenty or so minutes. Initially you can’t help but laugh at Joyce’s antics, however, it soon becomes apparent that she has unresolved problems of her own which she lives with each and every day. The intergenerational difference becomes apparent with Elaine not wanting to discuss Joyce’s failing mental health with her, instead saying she should have a hot bath.
Not Your Superwoman heavily features flashbacks, which help us piece together past events which culminate in the showdown in Guyana. We cover a lot in eighty minutes yet it never feels rushed. Instead this is a production that feels polished, and one where the actors really do become their characters, characters that I genuinely felt like I gelled with and rooted for both of them to heal. Throughout Rosheuvel and Wright also take it in turns playing Elaine, something done seamlessly by both actors and enjoyable to watch.
The Bush Theatre is one of my favourite theatres in London, and last night my love was reignited upon walking into the Holloway Theatre. The audience entered the space to a cubic structure, with projections of Rosheuvel and Wright’s faces to begin with. As the show commences this space is used to transform the space into Guyana, with projections of anything from a hotel suite or a karaoke bar to a beautiful waterfall. This felt very slick and modern. The only criticism I have is that on a few occasions there were some very bright flashes of lights; this was noticeable to me in Block C and although not detrimental to my overall enjoyment, it is something to be mindful of.
Not Your Superwoman is a truly stellar production, and undoubtedly one of my top shows of the year so far. The performances really did make this stand out, with so much talent and passion on one stage. You will laugh and you most probably will have tears in your eyes – I certainly did!.I do believe the run is sold out, but it’s one to try and get a ticket to for sure to see for yourself. Find out more here.
★★★★★
