Written by Catherine Canfield, ‘Flushed’ is the endearing, funny yet heart-breaking story of Marnie and Jen, whose close relationship makes them as much best friends as sisters, sharing all the intricate and intimate details of their 20-something lives. What starts off as comically fast-paced dialogue that takes place in the ladies' loos at a nightclub - where, amongst other things, the disastrous double date with George & Michael is brutally analysed, with older sister Marnie’s comment “I would rather take a cheese grater to my face” as they resolve other ‘tampon shortage’ related issues and plan their exodus - gradually dips into bleaker territory as Marnie discovers she has the rare condition of extreme early menopause. This is earth-shattering news, especially for someone who has always wanted children, poignantly stating “25 years old and I’m all shrivelled up. It’s embarrassing.”
Marnie and Jen are played by Elizabeth Hammerton and Iona Champain with a real sense of authenticity, an engaging blend of hilarity and ridicule alongside touching sensitivity and depth, as they navigate their way through the highs and challenging lows of this point in their lives. Both Canfield’s writing and direction are sharp and insightful, with lines that brilliantly reflect the developing narrative, shifts in mood, and ultimately an unbreakable bond between the two siblings, despite a few near-misses. The functional but memorable set consists appropriately of two toilets with an illuminated ‘toilet’ sign above them - cleverly adapted to the settings that largely take place in various public and private bathrooms. ‘Flushed’ is an enjoyable, thought-provoking production, cleverly created by a young team in the relatively early days of their careers. Reviewer - Georgina Elliott on - 20.10.21
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