“Emily McDonnell travels through the sordid past of Bryony Kimmings in her latest show at the Soho Theatre.”
The Soho Theatre open its intimate studio to one of the most intimate plays I have ever seen. When Bryony Kimmings, 29, contracted an STD, she decided to explore her sexual past in order to find the culprit. This piece is a bizarre but engaging 60 minutes of songs, dances and onstage costume changes, revealing a lot of Bryony and her sexual past.
Bryony greeted everyone with a bowl of sweets, chatting to the audience as they filed in, full of anticipation; she even took to sneaking sips of wine. From the murmurs around me I could tell this was going to be exciting.
The play was more or less a wacky cabaret show: there was a sex dance in which Bryony thrust away in every position you could possibly think of. The piece also included a song which sounds like something Bob Dylan should have written, until you hear the words: at least 60 different names for your vagina! Bryony didn’t shy away from things that most people would feel nervous talking about. It was this energy and commitment which made the piece so captivating and funny.
It’s hard to choose a favourite part, as everything had so much energy; perhaps it was when she likened birds to humans, explaining that vulture mate for life and if they suspect someone of cheating, they peck the guilty bird to death; Bryony proceeded to sing an incredibly funny song warning her partners of their fate were they to cheat.
While the performance may seem a little mental, Bryony actually shows us the stat of her heart, apologising for being a ‘bitch’ to past lovers, and showing us her real and passionate feelings for her current boyfriend. Though we have perhaps have varying numbers of notches on our bedposts, we can certainly relate to Bryony’s misadventures and stale relationships - and the way some of us react after a break up.
I spoke to Bryony about her piece, and she told me that ‘people should be open about sex and sexual health… it’s not dirty, it’s natural. Get an STI text, it’s your duty, and don’t forget the good and bad things happen in your life… they are what makes you who you are!’
Perhaps this show can simply be described as bizarre, but it’s one of the funniest things I have seen. Everyone seemed to fall in love with Bryony. I left having giggled, gasped and groaned.
It is an honest account of female sexual liberation and not being ashamed of your past. It’s charming and funny; though I wouldn’t suggest you go with your parents! - Oh, and take your own scissors… you’ll appreciate them!