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A fun and raunchy look into the world of modern dating.Summary
Rating
Good
The Whoreing Twenties sees comedians Kat and Kat (Katerina Robinson and Kat Ronson) explore the ins and outs of dating – pun intended. This show is as silly as it is sexy, and a highly relatable reflection of Tinder trauma.
The production takes the relatively simple concept of dating and finds a multitude of angles from which to make fun of it. Our two hosts begin with a guide on “how to be a hoe”, capturing the all-too-common experiences of moments such as meeting men in their late twenties still attending freshers’ weeks, and the Saturday night cry into a jar of chocolate spread. These writers really know their audience, and brilliantly satirise the lengths young people are going to to stand out; let she who has not pretended to laugh in an Instagram photo cast the first stone!
The use of physical comedy is well executed and plays on gendered tropes, from girly thirst traps to men acting macho for the camera. There are instant laughs to be had from moments of hot dog face-slapping and sticking your bum out for the imaginary camera, which means the audience are hooked from the start. Kat and Kat are able to poke fun at themselves and work together with great synchronicity. This is not a show that stews on unfortunate experiences with more unfortunate men, but one that bring out the humour in the near-universal ridiculous experience of putting yourself out there.
They move through stages; from dating profiles to avoid, to outrageous pick-up lines, to the best bus stops for your personal safety – thanks Cressida Dick. The section on “Reading our DMs” was especially funny despite eroding my faith in humanity; I can safely say no other show has provided a disclaimer on NOT putting human remains in a sex toy. The experience of being a woman online and receiving outrageous messages such as proposals of marriage (or making you curry) is all too common, and it is wonderful to have this laid bare in its absurdity in a safe space.
The Whoreing Twenties is a clever tribute to the trials and tribulations of 20’s dating, with content matter that is both ridiculous and relatable. Energy was high and I left feeling equal parts entertained and validated. Kat and Kat are a powerful and talented duo, and I’ll be sure to check out their podcast for more outlandish inbox content.
Written by: Katerina Robinson and Kat Ronson
Projection Visuals by: Honey McKenna
Sound Design by: Alexandra Milne
Hair and Makeup by: Craig Hamilton
The Whoreing Twenties played at VAULT Festival 2023, and has now completed its current run.
