Vulvarine: A New Musical – Theatre Review

Bryony Buckle is an average, slightly nerdy girl, working in an office, executing boring administration, her mind flitting between her stomach – lunch and her IBS – and her hungering for Orson Bloom from IT.

Following a heady mix of a lightning-bolt combined, with a dash of hormone therapy gone wrong, our Bryony is blessed with superhero capabilities and her name, chosen by Poppy, her friend and workplace ally is…‘Vulvarine!’

When Vulvarine realises she can lift humans, fly a bit and have conversations with her cat, it is time for her to save the women of High Wycombe from the evils of ‘The Mansplainer.’

The question is: who is The Mansplainer and where are the proceeds really going from the tampon tax?

Allie Munro is as comfortable in her Bryony persona as she is in her superhero role as Vulvarine, bringing strong vocals, a fab bit of twerking, great timing and, in the final scenes styles her sea urchin look with aplomb.

The female led Fat Rascal Theatre has chosen well with Jamie Mawson as Orson Bloom, the lust interest of Bryony /Vulvarine, his acting and vocals superb throughout, indeed the whole of the musical score is worthy of a West End stage!

Robyn Grant has the audience in raptures with her portrayal of the evil scientist, although there are many laughs to be had from her variety of roles within this vibrant musical comedy.

With a small amount of scenery, we are taken from office, to Bryony’s flat, and finally to the laboratory. Here, with inventive lighting and props – especially a rather phallic looking piece of comically formidable apparatus, the dastardly scientist is ready to bring about the demise of Vulvarine.

The whole cast are a joy, filling the small stage of the Aldridge Studio at the Lowry with their crafted silliness. I am sure in future years this talented Company will be back on a larger stage, bringing more great songs, incisive comedy and fun scenarios.

On occasions it was difficult to hear the actors, not because of their lack of voice projection but because some of the audience were screaming with laughter.

If you think a night of musical feminism is not for you, the cast of Vulvarine might just change your mind.

★ ★ ★ ★