Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019 – A Womb of One’s Own

A womb of one’s own, a play that I had no idea what it was about until just before I headed in because I have been so busy with kiddie shows. I was very much looking forward to something a little more adult, and this show was defiantly not for the kids.

A cutting edge and moving play by an all-female company, Wonderbox.

The story starts with a young girl (Babygirl), brought up by her catholic relatives and her lustful need to lose her virginity and find her sexual self. “Grandmamie, if no-one touches my boobs before I’m 21 I’m going to explode all over the net curtains from pent- up sexual frustration!”

Four actresses wittily engage with the audience as four different voices, the physical theatre is unblemished and smooth running with comical innuendos, funny anecdotes and a few blushing masturbations moments.

Some remembered scenes that most will have experienced from Uni performed with ease and I was impressed with their mixed accents and take on multi character roles, it was believable and very easy to watch.

After a few one-night stands Babygirl finds herself in a loving relationship with a woman which all ends suddenly after finding out that one of her lovers had had a mishap with the condom and she finds herself pregnant, a lone and with no one to talk too. Cue a rollercoaster of hormone, unwanted feeling and lots of self-destructive coping mechanisms.

The openness of taboo subjects of unwanted pregnancy, sexuality, religion and abortions are discussed openly with no judgement which is refreshing and inspiring. The talk that you are not alone in your choices and someone will be by your side if you want them or not was felt with the tearing up of my eyes.

This show aimed to let the unheard voices shout louder and be heard without the judgement and prejudous that is often seen in the media. I left with lots of my own moral questions after watching it all unfold through the eyes of these young women. I just made it more clear how much I stand for women talking about these issues. A powerful and enjoyable performance and I’m sure we will be seeing these talented ladies again.

About the Production

The Charlie Hartill Special Reserve is The Pleasance’s designated fund to support emerging theatre-makers in bringing their work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Now in its 15th year, the Reserve enables artists to hone their talents and focus on their creativity, by offering vital support in the form of cash investment and mentoring. Previous recipients include Olivier award-winning Flesh and Bone and Freeman, nominated for the Amnesty Freedom of Express Award and two-time Offie nominee.

A Womb of One’s Own is at 10Dome, Pleasance Dome as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It runs from Wednesday 31st July – Monday 26th August (not 13th, 22nd), at 2:50pm. Book tickets here.