Sh!t Theatre or What's Left of Us is a theatrical folk story with sing along, that celebrates love, loss, community, imperfections and death. Led by Rebecca Biscuit and Louise Mothersole (original members of Sh!t Theatre), the show chooses to honour the company's missing members, and reflecting on how this show has been moulded around their loss.
The show mirrors the loss of their fellow Theatre Company members, with a true story about a folk club that the duo frequented being burned down. Existing as a safe and supportive environment for folk artists to thrive and share traditions, the club's drastic downfall had shaken the community to the core. This theme of the sudden loss of a stabilising force is further echoed, with the frequent mentions of Japanese Bowls. These bowls are widely regarded as inspirational, for the custom of the Japanese is to fix cracked bowls with gold, highlighting that imperfections make something even more special.
Despite the heavy themes discussed throughout the play, the show is mostly comedic, and earns well-deserved laughter throughout. Mothersole is witty with clever and smart remarks, and Biscuit hits back with cheeky and staggeringly funny comebacks, making them a rather dynamic duo. They ensure that the audience are kept at ease, with gentle explanations and friendly check ins.
The show quickly establishes its unconventional style, with audiences being encouraged to sing along/clap/stomp their feet along with the songs performed by Biscuit and Mothersole. The duo have chosen to include a variety of songs, including John Barleycorn, The Unquiet Grave, Shaking of the Sheets and many many more.
Biscuit and Mothersole are a strong duo, complimenting each other well. Their friendship is clear, and it's obvious the two performers love performing together. This friendship forms the foundation for the show, building off of their shared experiences, raising the community spirit in the audience.
Despite being known for their signature white-painted faces with mascara streaks, Sh!t Theatre opts to only apply mascara streaks, hinting at a new era for the company. With no masks available, Biscuit and Mothersole allow their vulnerability to shine through the piece, resulting in a beautifully moving overarching narrative. The show has a beautiful backdrop (Bunty May Marshall), and both performers start the show with a gorgeous headdress by Liza Violet.
Comedy and song leads most of the show, yet concludes in a touching tribute to their late loved ones, and this grief is felt keenly in a rippled effect throughout the audience. Biscuit and Mothersole take the audience on quite the emotional rollercoaster, yet its unique style ensures it leaves a feeling that will last.
The show closes on a sorrowful note after its running time of 60 minutes. However, Sh!t Theatre encourage audiences to join their "psalm" of a singaround after the show, a 50 minute after party of sorts where audience members are encouraged to lead their own sing alongs, following a rambling explanation. Audiences are invited to lead a sing along of any song of their choosing (for instance, on the night attended, there were Scottish songs, Musical Theatre songs, Children's songs and more). The atmosphere created here by Biscuit and Mothersole is comforting and cathartic.
Shit Theatre or What's Left Of Us is a vibrant and heartwarming show that feels like a comforting hug. Enormously enjoyable, Sh!t Theatre provide a wonderful evening of entertainment. The show is currently play at the Soho Theatre until 30th November, before returning to the Soho Theatre from the 17th Feb until 01st March 2025 - for more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
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