Words: Rosemary MacDonald

4 Stars

In Bride To Be, Meg Millane explores what it is to get married as a feminist in the current political, social and economic climate. She does this through a mix of eccentric characters each with their own view on marriage and weddings. While the set is minimal for the space, the props and Millane’s physicality manage to immerse the audience in the world. 

Millane’s high energy catches the audience immediately and is sustained throughout. The audience first meets an old school wedding DJ who sets the atmosphere, hyping up the audience as ‘party people’ ready for a great night. We are taken through the events leading up to the wedding; proposal, hen doo, cake tasting, invitations, talks of having kids etc. The characters, while eccentric and highly entertaining, are well portrayed and feel very recognisable. Millane has excellent analysis of people and uses this in her hilarious portrayal of influencers, friends and family members that a bride will encounter in the planning of a wedding.

At times, jokes could be more refined in their commentary but overall, Millane does a good job of exploring how marriage fits within patriarchy and the commercialisation of weddings while also showing the love and care attached.

During the performance, there was a fire evacuation which disrupted the show near the start. This had an impact on the flow of the piece and I’m sure Millane was more aware of timing. However, she did amazingly to reset the energy for the audience returning and to jump right back into the piece. This was further evidence of the powerful energy she brings to the whole show, not once did I feel her or the audience drop. 

A very fun show with some great analysis of the history and present day aspects of weddings and marriage. 

Bride To Be 
Thistle Theatre at Greenside @ Riddles Court
19:40
7 August – 15 August