Sex Chat Granny, which is written and performed by Harriet Waterhouse and directed by Kaarina Kendall, is a witty play about a middle aged woman working as a sex call operator to create a sweet (and sexual) relief from reality for both her clients and herself. A surprisingly heartbreaking story filled with pockets of joy, a variety of sexual kinks and an uncensored raw exploration of human kind, Sex Chat Granny is an impressive debut play.
Waterhouse is a charming presence and has the audience clinging onto her every word. With commendable control of dialogue, Waterhouse is able to raise the tension of the room within seconds. The constant switching, or rather in-out, in-out method of interweaving her own personal experiences with client phone calls keeps the audience engaged and enjoying the emotional rollercoaster. Waterhouse neatly counters heart breaking moments of recounting how helpless a recent stroke and Dementia has rendered her mother, whilst proceeding to enact profoundly specific sexual fetishes of clients.
Much of the show's humour is derived from poking fun at the specificity of clients sexual fantasies (ranging from Game of Thrones role-playing, to Shakespearean sonnets, to literal printing of "willy portraits"). These are hilariously countered with breathless replies and moans from a rather unbothered and straight faced Waterhouse.
The writing is brilliant, painting clear visual pictures with words. Waterhouse is unflinching and bitingly honest about both how invasive hospital care can be, and ridiculous certain facades can be. Her blunt approach to facts result in a raw piece that hits home right away.
Waterhouse also delivers a number of moving moments, and some thought provoking statements, that make the piece a fascinating insight to human psychology.
Discussing how often middle aged women feel invisible, Waterhouse makes several excellent points about the double standards present in society. Waterhouse also places her character in the web of roles that she plays as a woman - a caring daughter, a concerned mother and a loving grandma, which further emphasises how stretched out she truly is.
The play reaches a tear-jerking moment when Waterhouse ponders aloud how to present herself to her mother for the final time, and this becomes a touching scene. Waterhouse, both as a performer and a writer, has created a beautiful show that not only recognises but also welcomes everyone however they are.
Sex Chat Granny is a touching play with a delightful mix of cheek and wit. It is currently playing at the Etcetera Theatre as part of the Camden Fringe until 11th August - for more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
Kommentare