• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

Ed Fringe 2016: JOAN at Underbelly Cowgate

August 17, 2016 by Katie Smith Leave a Comment

Review of: JOAN
Produced by:
Milk Presents

Reviewed by: Katie Smith
Rating:
4
On August 17, 2016
Last modified:August 17, 2016

Summary:

A touching and hilarious drag king show following the life of Joan of Arc.

More Details

JOAN, the latest show from Milk Presents, is an entertaining whistle-stop tour through the life of Joan of Arc, but in 1 hour 20 never feels rushed or drawn out. Updated to a halfway-house space between the 15th Century and present day, a central strong performance from Lucy Jane Parkinson’s as Joan shoulders this engaging look at what it really is to be yourself.

Parkinson is stunning to watch. Bold, nuanced, and engaging, she completely captivates the audience, making it natural for us to participate in her world. From making the sounds of the battlefield, to assisting her in her attempts to settle down and find a husband, the way Parkinson invites us into Joan’s world with ease means that we feel a part in the story being told, despite it being a grand 600 years old.

This is perhaps the best element of the show: it makes the story of Joan of Arc important and relevant. Parkinson and Skilbeck smash Joan’s story into a modern space so convincingly that it’s almost impossible not to care about Joan. When she is forced to stop cross-dressing, and awkwardly attempts to present herself as completely feminine, Parkinson ensures that we feel, second-hand, the emotional impact of being forced into a corner of the gender binary in which she does feel comfortable.

15048-JOAN

If this makes the show sound overly serious, it is important to note how much fun JOAN is. The themes running underneath the show are fairly serious, and certain moments of the show are powerfully moving, but none of this is possible without the contagious humour of Skilbeck’s script and Parkinson’s delivery.

The songs, too, are major highlights of the show. Parkinson shines and she performs as several major male figures in her life – her scolding father; the utterly sleazy dauphin Charles; the insufferably patronising Pierre Cauchon, who ultimately sentences Joan to death. With the help of some facial hair, a quick costume change, and music by Skillbeck and arranged by David Lewington, Parkinson vividly brings to life these supporting characters. These songs add significant colour to the story, the drag king elements of the show meshing perfectly with Joan’s real-life cross-dressing.

At one point in the show, Joan describes how, when she dresses as a man, she is simply herself, but different – and that characterises the show itself. Parkinson may undergo several costume and character changes, but it is firmly Joan’s story – and a story of a young girl ultimately determined to stay true to herself.

Author: Katie Smith

Filed Under: Featured, Review Tagged With: Edinburgh Fringe 2016

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Davinia Hamilton on Blanket Ban

Following its hit run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, theatre makers and activists Davinia Hamilton and Marta Vella bring their rallying [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Richard Vergette on Leaving Vietnam

We spoke to Richard Vergette, writer and performer of Leaving Vietnam. Richard plays a war veteran who feels ignored and [Read More]

Review / The Journey To Venice at the Finborough Theatre

Bjorg Vik’s play The Journey To Venice is a delightful production, entertaining yet full of pathos. A play with a [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Tzarini Meyler talks KITES at VAULT Festival

We spoke to Artistic Director of LipZinc Theatre, writer and performer Tzarini Meyler about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Naomi Westerman talks BATMAN (aka Naomi’s Death Show)

We spoke to writer and performer Naomi Westerman from Little But Fierce about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival Can [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Hang at The Royal Court
  • Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 
  • The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat
  • Tim Edge talks Under the Black Rock
  • The Donmar Warehouse's Julius Caesar at the King's Cross Theatre
  • Breach Theatre
  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • Ben Lloyd-Hughes in Kiss Me
  • Katy Owen: How to Apply to Drama Schools*
  • Katie Smith
    Contributor

  • August 17th, 2016
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • Facebook1TweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!