REVIEW - PERIOD DRAMAS - HOPE THEATRE -

“Like Hermione said, fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself, so say it with me: Vagina! Vagina! Vagina!” –Period Dramas

Period Dramas is a one-woman show previewing at the Hope Theatre, before it heads to the Edinburgh Fringe this summer. It hilariously teaches the history and addresses the stigma surrounding periods from ancient Egypt to the modern day. It is written and performed by Heather Milsted with Jessy Roberts as the director and dramaturg. The stage was is an organised mess; there are many props including a piano, and sanitary pads are scattered underneath the audience’s chairs.

The show is charmingly chaotic, with Milsted comically throwing props over her shoulder when she is finished with them. I enjoyed the audience participation, including throwing pads at her, singing about the menstruation cycle to the tune of “Wheels on the Bus,” and reading lines. Milsted does a great job of talking about period stigmas throughout history and includes some absolutely ludicrous facts. One of which is that, It was believed if you procreated on your period, your child would be redheaded! Obviously a lot of research has gone into this show, and I loved the added elements of music and voiceovers to contextualise it. While the majority of the show is light-hearted, Milsted does include a serious bit where she talked about the realities of periods and the embarrassment, pain, and stigma that still surrounds them today.

Milsted showcases her multiple talents in the show, including singing, playing piano, tap dancing, and of course acting. I’d love to have the amount of energy she has; she is nonstop during this performance, and ending with a tap dance combo is an impressive feat! I sometimes had trouble understanding her, however, and wished she would talk a little more slowly. Even so, I could process the wild period facts she was telling us and overall, Milsted was a delight to watch.

Period Dramas is headed to the Edinburgh Fringe, so if you’re going, don’t miss this bloody hilarious show!

{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}

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