Show: This Skin Of Mine
Event: Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works
Location: Bombed Out Church, Liverpool
Date: Thursday July 15 2021
Time: 18.00
Running Time: 60 Minutes
Age Rating: 16+
Performers: Eden Jodie & Janelle Thompson
Production Company: Bill Elms Associates
Writer: Kai Jolley
Director: Kai Jolley
This is our theatre review for This Skin Of Mine at Liverpool‘s Bombed Out Church. Now, this is the fifth show of Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works 2021. So, let’s take a look at This Skin Of Mine!
This Skin Of Mine
Synopsis
So, the premise of this dark comedy concerns some sudden family developments of varying severity levels. Initially, we meet Barry (Janelle Thompson), who informs us about her mother being on her deathbed. Nevertheless, she’s upbeat about her situation as best she can be, and she offers humorous observations of the family home. Meanwhile, she awaits the imminent arrival of her brother Sam, with there being minimal contact for over a year. While she waits, she recaps their recent history and breaks the fourth wall to question the audience’s assumptions about her.
However, things change when a mysterious woman (Eden Jodie) strolls in to inspect the living room. Now, Barry understandably wonders who she is, only to receive a shock: the visitor is her brother! Except, Sam is now Sarah, with Barry questioning everything, including the name (“why not Sam-antha?”). From there, the show focuses on Sarah’s life choice, as well as the health situation of their ailing mother. Furthermore, we hear about Barry’s own struggles, in particular, her recently escaping an abusive marriage. Nevertheless, the show manages to find humour in the darkest of places, with some one-liners being very memorable indeed.
Analysis
Both Janelle Thompson and Eden Jodie perform their roles believably and amusingly. Considering the perilous situation surrounding their mother, it would be easy for this to be a rather sad story. But instead, writer and director Kai Jolley handles the most uncomfortable situations in the most comfortable manner. Indeed, we cover everything from bereavement and domestic violence to identity changes and homosexuality. But far from preachy, this show breaks down each scenario with a comedic touch. And that allows us, the audience, to pay more attention and thus take more on board from the character’s words.
As a result, the show strikes just the right balance when it comes to controversial comedy. There are moments that make us gasp, but not offensively so; it’s almost reassuring that we can laugh at some of the themes in this production. And there is a real bond between the now-sisters, even if Barry initially has misgivings. The upshot is that, for those attending that are in similar situations, there is hope for light at the end of the tunnel. And there is the continuous reminder that, even if people cannot understand your choices, they’re still your choices. Hence the name of the show, where one can only truly experience what somebody is going through by being in their skin.
Summary
Hopefully, this show tours and has a longer running time to offer a deeper backstory, because This Skin Of Mine was a lot of fun. Furthermore, the 60-minute running time would fly by, which is always the sign of a strong production. And credit to Janelle Thompson and Eden Jolie for handling delicate situations with authentic reactions and relatable jokes. So, whether you want to know about the difficulties surrounding sex changes, abusive relationships, the continuous struggles for LGBTQ acceptance or issues concerning racism, this show has it all. But it manages to allow the crowd to leave with a smile on their face. And I’m sure you will too after seeing this production.
Notes
Target Audience: 16+
Content: Frequent Strong Language
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 8.5/10 – Excellent
This Skin Of Mine Further Links
Liverpool Theatre Festival Of New Works 2021 continues at the Bombed Out Church until Sunday July 18 2021. So, to purchase tickets, please click here.
Did you see This Skin Of Mine? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
