THEATRE REVIEW: Identities: A Play About Boobs - The Pyramid, Warrington.

'Identities: A Play About Boobs' takes us on an extraordinary journey through the lens of life, humour, and breast cancer, all told from the unique perspective of two protagonists - a left and right boob. Crafted by Rae Bell and a remarkable group of women from the North West, it is nothing short of a resounding success.

Rae Bell, the mind behind the boobs, astutely infuses the script with a witty humour that keeps the audience laughing even in the most poignant moments and allows us to sit in the discomfort without dragging us into depth. Initially, a play about cancer might feel quite uninviting and I guess that really, that is the point of 'Identities'; to break down the fear of cancer allowing us to understand, sympathise and laugh at two tits on stage!

The beauty of 'Identities' lies in its ability to seamlessly weave comedy and heart-wrenching sincerity into a narrative that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. One moment, you'll find yourself laughing uncontrollably and the next you’re tearing up. 

From the very first moments of the play, it's evident that this is a work of deep creativity. Lucy Sneddon’s use of colour and texture in costumes and set is full of nostalgia, it replicates the feeling of a young girl's bedroom and feels like groovy chic meets the cellular level of breasts. The manipulation of time and the meta references to the audience create a unique and immersive experience. All this is complemented by Jessica Brigham’s lighting that aids the snappy changes and emotional shifts in scenes. 'Identities' manages to strike a delicate balance, feeling meticulously rehearsed to perfection yet also spontaneous and responsive. Hannah Bracegirdle's sound design allows us to be fully immersed in the atmosphere of the world, particularly in a haunting walk down the hospital hallway as we pass by private conversations which I later found were real testimonies of women from the North West. 

Hannah Harquart and Rae Bell, the two funny Northern acting talents in 'Identities', are like a dynamic duo reminiscent of the legendary comedic pairings of northern British actors, such as Victoria Wood and Julie Walters, bringing their own unique brand of humour and heart to the stage.

In a show with such an intimate cast, every character interaction carries immense weight, and the chemistry between Rae Bell and Hannah Harquart is nothing short of joyous. Their portrayal of the straight man/funny man dynamic is impeccable, evoking a sibling-like relationship that allows the most poignant moments to hit close to home (pardon the pun) with unparalleled impact.

Director Maya Shimmin also deserves immense credit for orchestrating a seamless blend of writing, acting, set design, music, lighting, and costumes. Every aspect of the production works in harmony to tell a compelling and thematically strong story.

Although 'Identities' doesn't revolve around a specific location, it manages to capture the essence of Northern women: loving, strong and full of humour. With only a few references, it evokes a strong emotional connection to the hometown of Rae (Warrington). This adds a unique layer of sentimentality to the show.

While 'Identities' is bound to captivate audiences in various locations, there's an unparalleled experience in being in the room with the very family members and live testimonies from women who have had breast cancer and who inspired this heartfelt story.

'Identities: A Play About Boobs' is the result of two years of dedication and a lifetime of personal experiences. It carries the weight of a deeply emotional journey but does so with finesse, humour, and an unwavering commitment to its message. It's a must-watch for anyone seeking a touching, tender, heart wrenching, and undeniably hilarious theatrical experience. Five stars would not do it justice; it's a theatrical gem that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Reviewer - Jack Wagman
om - 21.9.23