Home » Reviews » Comedy » Review: Shedding A Skin, Soho Theatre
Amanda Wilkin in Shedding A Skin
Photo credit @ Helen Murray

Review: Shedding A Skin, Soho Theatre

After a sold-out run in May 2021 Amanda Wilkin’s Shedding A Skin makes a return to Soho Theatre. It hits the ground running with this high octane, intelligent, award winning one woman show. We follow the character of Myah (played by Wilkin): a 30 something Millennial who hasn’t quite discovered her direction in life, accompanying her through an unexpected journey to self-discovery in the most unconventional yet thoroughly entertaining way. Wilkin’s stamina to perform such an intense and unrelenting piece, with very few moments of respite, is impressive. And rather than inhibit enjoyment, this intensity enhances the show. The…

Summary

Rating

Excellent

An intense, poignant, life-affirming play.

After a sold-out run in May 2021 Amanda Wilkin’s Shedding A Skin makes a return to Soho Theatre. It hits the ground running with this high octane, intelligent, award winning one woman show.

We follow the character of Myah (played by Wilkin): a 30 something Millennial who hasn’t quite discovered her direction in life, accompanying her through an unexpected journey to self-discovery in the most unconventional yet thoroughly entertaining way.

Wilkin’s stamina to perform such an intense and unrelenting piece, with very few moments of respite, is impressive. And rather than inhibit enjoyment, this intensity enhances the show. The constant flow of fast-paced dialogue pelting at you was somewhat exhilarating and the audience has no choice but to be immediately drawn into the drama; attentively digesting every last detail.

The set design by Rosanna Vize is minimalistic and simple; a perfect juxtaposition to the narrative, encouraging the audience to use their imagination to compliment Wilkin’s turgid and detailed monologue.

The only aspect of the production that’s not quite clear is the interludes featuring Nina Dunn’s visual projections (Nina Dunn) and Richard Hammerton’s voice overs. The depictions in this section seem to act as a parallel narrative to supplement the main one. It doesn’t ruin the overall production, but it often feels incongruent with the piece as a whole.

Shedding a Skin won the Verity Bargate Award in 2020. Hosted by Soho Theatre, with one of the judges being Pheobe Waller-Bridge, and it’s understandable to see why. This play shares many similarities to Waller’s witty writing style and it’s no surprise why Shedding a Skin made such an impression.

Wilkin deftly explores the confusion of mid-adulthood with humour and honesty, encouraging the audience to live more authentically within their own skin and to definitely indulge in having a lot more fun.

Written by: Amanda Wilkin
Directed by: Elayce Ismail
Set and Costume Design by: Rosanna Vize
Lighting Design by: Jess Bernberg
Projection Design by: Nina Dunn
Sound and music composed by: Richard Hammarton

Shedding A Skin plays at Soho Theatre until 26 March. Further information and bookings via the below button.

About Tate Miller

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*