Words: Rosie Hall
Image: Nick Mick Pics
4 stars
You’ve heard of Fleabag, now get ready for… Shitbag.
Hayley Edwards’ autobiographical show recounts the year of their life where they are diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. This is also the year they embark on their quest to sleep with as many people as possible before they must undergo abdominal surgery, when they will be awarded their very own shit (stoma) bag.
The show pays notable homage to Fleabag, notably in its title but also in its copious fourth-wall breaks. This is taken to the next level, though, in the sheer amount of audience interaction. Edwards repeatedly directly addresses members of the audience with wide-eyed enthusiasm, demanding their rapt attention. The repeated meta asides don’t always feel like they cohere with the narrative, though, and sometimes make the action of the play a little tricky to follow.
The exploration of chronic illness is particularly refreshing and unique, and intelligently dissects the experience of being diagnosed with one as a young person with surprising light and sparkling wit. Edwards’ reflection on gender dysphoria, mental health and sexual experimentation whilst in the throes of this diagnoses pulls out honest, confronting, and often funny insights into the way the issues intersect. Like how their diagnosis of a physical chronic condition is somehow so much easier to talk about than chronic mental health issues. Like having real, palpable sexual tension with your doctor as they request another stool sample. Like being the youngest, hottest person on the gastroenterology ward.
If you’re after fresh, fearless queer writing, Shitbag might just be your bag.
Shitbag
Summerhall Anatomy Lecture Theatre
16.15
31st Jul – 25th Aug