One of my biggest fears in the entire world is not being able to have children. As such, this show struck a very deep and very important chord with me, and I was completely blown away by just how stunning a piece of theatre it was.
We watch sisters Marnie and Jen argue and joke their way through life and follow the onslaught of emotion and pain that comes from Marnie learning she has premature ovarian insufficiency, and therefore can’t have children. The simple set of two toilets is unusual and allows the story to evolve in an intriguing way, as each scene takes place in different bathrooms; a private and intimate setting where, it turns out, many of our most private and intimate conversations take place.
The two actresses are perfect as Marnie and Jen, their dialogue casual and relaxed as their interactions range from playful and fond to aggressive and exasperated. Their costumes - one in a black top and pink trousers, the other in a pink top and black trousers - cleverly and simply portray their inherent similarities as sisters, yet at the same time how completely opposite their personalities are.
The script is an incredibly rare masterpiece that manages to flawlessly recreate truly natural and realistic dialogue, with all the ‘um’s and ‘ah’s and interruptions and pauses that are too often missing onstage. It has been directed wonderfully, with excellent emphasis placed on some truly stunning moments of silence, which carry the weight of so much that has and hasn’t been said between the two sisters.
I am unashamed to say I cried, a lot, but I also laughed a lot. This isn’t a sad or depressing piece; far from it. There is so much light and so much dark and so much depth in this play; it is a true snapshot of life, with all its crazy ups and downs. Even several hours later I am tearing up writing this review.
It’s shows like this that make Fringe worth it. All the terrible and mediocre shows, all the early mornings and late nights, they’re all worth every single second to find diamonds like this.
I could go on for hours about how much I loved Flushed, but instead, I’m just telling you to go and see it. Whoever you are, whatever your story is, please, go and see this play.
Flushed is on at 15:40 at Underbelly, Cowgate until August 26th, excluding the 13th. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the EdFringe website.
Theatre Unlocked also published a guest blog on Voice about POI, which you are able to read here.
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